Haitian Black Mushroom Rice, also known as Diri ak Djon Djon, is a beloved traditional dish in Haitian cuisine. This flavorful, aromatic rice gets its distinctive black color and earthy taste from dried djon djon mushrooms, which are unique to Haiti. Diri ak Djon Djon is often reserved for special occasions and family gatherings, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy any day of the week.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making this flavorful dish that combines rice, mushrooms, and spices to create an authentic taste of Haiti.
Ingredients
1 cup of dried djon djon mushrooms (or mushroom powder if dried mushrooms are unavailable)
4 cups water
2 cups long-grain rice
1/4 cup vegetable oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 cup green peas or lima beans (optional)
1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Djon Djon Mushroom Stock
In a medium pot, add the dried djon djon mushrooms and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes. This will release the mushroom’s color and flavor into the water.
Strain the liquid into a bowl and discard the mushrooms. Set aside the black mushroom stock; this will be the base for cooking the rice.
Rinse and Prepare the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables and Spices
In a large pot, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Add the rice to the pot with the vegetables and stir to coat the rice in the oil and seasoning. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
Slowly pour in the djon djon mushroom stock. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Rice
Once the pot reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. If you’re adding green peas or lima beans, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
For added heat, you can place a whole scotch bonnet pepper on top of the rice during cooking (do not pierce it if you prefer a milder flavor).
Fluff and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving Suggestions: Diri ak Djon Djon pairs well with meats like griot (fried pork), stewed chicken, or seafood dishes. A simple salad or fried plantains on the side makes for a balanced meal.
Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat or seafood pairing and add more vegetables like carrots, corn, or green beans.
Spicier Option: If you enjoy spicier dishes, add a chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the rice while cooking.
Diri ak Djon Djon brings together the earthy, umami-rich flavor of Haitian mushrooms with tender, fragrant rice for a dish that’s both simple and elegant. Perfect for family gatherings or as a treat to yourself, this dish is a true taste of Haiti that’s sure to impress!
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