By Chidimma Okwara,
In a remarkable display of culinary ambition, Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has successfully completed her latest Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice. The feat, which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, has now been submitted for official verification by Guinness World Records.
The LeadWay Magazine was at the venue to encourage the celebrity chef as she successfully completed the feat, cooking about 200 bags of rice in a 22,619-litre pot in nine hours. The pots diameter is measured 6 metres (wide) and height of 6 metres.
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The Challenge and Its Execution
Hilda Baci, already a GWR holder for the longest cooking marathon, embarked on this new challenge to celebrate Nigerian cuisine and national pride. The attempt involved cooking an enormous amount of jollof rice in a custom-built, six-meter-wide pot with a capacity of 22,619 liters.
Ingredients:
Baci and her team used 4,000 kilograms of Basmati rice, 500 cartons of tomato concentrate, 750 kilograms of oil, and 600 kilograms of onions. This was a scaled-down version of the initial plan of 200 bags of rice due to logistical challenges with the weighing scale.
The Cooking Process:
The cooking marathon lasted over nine hours, drawing a massive crowd of over 20,000 people, including celebrities, influencers, and government officials.
A Tense Moment:
A dramatic moment occurred when a crane was used to lift the gigantic pot for a crucial weighing. The pot’s legs buckled and its cover loosened, raising concerns about the official validation of the attempt. Despite the setback, the team was able to stabilize the structure.
Awaiting the Verdict
Following the successful completion of the cooking, the jollof rice was distributed to attendees in takeaway packs. The event was not just a record attempt but a “Gino World Jollof Festival,” complete with music, entertainment, and a vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture.
Guinness World Records has acknowledged the attempt online, wishing Baci luck as they review the submitted evidence, including photos and video footage. The final verdict is pending.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
This is not Hilda Baci’s first time in the GWR spotlight. In 2023, she set the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes. Although her record was later surpassed, her “Cook-a-thon” cemented her status as a national icon and inspired a wave of similar attempts. Her latest endeavor further highlights her dedication to showcasing Nigerian culture and culinary excellence on a global scale.
