Hilda Baci’s Ambitious Jollof Rice Challenge Ends in Mishap

**Introduction to the Event**

In a highly anticipated event that drew thousands of spectators, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci attempted to create the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. This ambitious endeavor took place in Lagos and was part of her ongoing efforts to showcase Nigerian cuisine on a global stage. Baci, who is well-known for her culinary skills and her previous world record for the longest cooking marathon, faced an unexpected setback when the giant pot she was using broke as it was being hoisted for weighing.

**The Attempt and Ingredients**

Hilda Baci’s jollof rice recipe was a massive undertaking that included an astonishing 4,000 kilograms (approximately 8,800 pounds) of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, and 600 kilograms of onions. The dish was prepared in a custom-made pot designed to hold 23,000 liters—a feat that required the efforts of a dedicated team. In total, Baci was supported by ten other chefs, all dressed in red uniforms, who used oversized wooden spoons to stir the enormous quantities of food.

As the pot was being lifted by a crane for weighing, one of its legs gave way, leading to the unfortunate breakage. Despite this mishap, the team proceeded to distribute the jollof rice to the gathered crowd, showcasing the spirit of community and generosity that often accompanies such culinary events.

**Planning and Preparation**

The preparation for this monumental cooking challenge took Baci a full year. She expressed her pride in representing Nigeria, stating, “We [Nigerians] are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for. It would make sense if we had the biggest pot of jollof rice; it would be nice for the country.” Her passion for jollof rice—a staple dish in several West African countries—was evident in her meticulous planning and execution.

**Jollof Rice: A Cultural Staple**

Jollof rice is a beloved dish across West Africa, characterized by its vibrant red color and rich flavor, typically achieved through a combination of tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is often served with meat or seafood, making it a versatile and popular meal choice. Baci’s version of the dish gained recognition in 2021 when she won a competition, further solidifying her status in the culinary world.

In 2023, Baci made headlines by setting the world record for the longest cooking marathon, a grueling 93 hours and 11 minutes. However, this record was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher, and the current title holder is Evette Quoibia from Australia, who completed an impressive 140 hours and 11 minutes.

**The Role of Guinness World Records**

As Baci embarked on this latest record-breaking attempt, Guinness World Records (GWR) was involved in the process, with the organization extending its best wishes to her via social media. However, the breakage of the pot raises questions about whether the attempt can still be validated as a record. The process of verification by GWR involves thorough checks and assessments, which may now be complicated by the mishap.

**Community Engagement and Distribution**

Despite the setback, the event remained a celebration of Nigerian culture and culinary prowess. After the cooking was completed, the enormous pot of jollof rice was divided into individual portions and distributed among the large crowd that had gathered to witness the attempt. This act of sharing not only highlighted the communal aspect of food in Nigerian culture but also ensured that the effort was not in vain.

**Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Continues**

Hilda Baci’s attempt to create the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, while marred by an unfortunate incident, showcased her dedication to promoting Nigerian cuisine. Her resilience and commitment to her craft have made her a prominent figure in the culinary landscape, and her efforts continue to inspire many. As she navigates the aftermath of this event, Baci remains a symbol of creativity and passion in the kitchen, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines modern Nigerian cuisine.

**Key Facts:**

– **Chef:** Hilda Baci
– **Event Location:** Lagos, Nigeria
– **Ingredients Used:**
– 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of rice
– 500 cartons of tomato paste
– 600 kg of onions
– 168 kg of goat meat
– **Pot Capacity:** 23,000 liters
– **Previous Record:** Longest cooking marathon (93 hours and 11 minutes)
– **Current Record Holder:** Evette Quoibia (140 hours and 11 minutes)
– **Outcome of Event:** Pot broke during weighing; jollof rice distributed to the crowd.

Source: www.bbc.com