Diri Djon Djon (Haitian Black Rice)
Diri Djon Djon is a classic Haitian dish featuring rice cooked in a flavorful broth derived from dried black mushrooms, giving it a distinctive dark color and earthy aroma. It's often enhanced with vegetables and sometimes seafood.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Djon Djon Mushrooms
- 8 cups Water(divided)
- 2 cups Jasmine Rice(rinsed until water runs clear)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 4 tbsp Haitian Epis(or a blend of garlic, onion, bell pepper, thyme, and parsley)
- 1 cup Green Peas(frozen or fresh)
- 0.33 cup Coconut Milk(optional)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Bouillon(chicken or vegetable)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 6 cloves Shrimp(optional, peeled and deveined)
- 2 whole Scotch Bonnets(optional, for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the djon djon broth: In a small pot, combine the dried djon djon mushrooms with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid into a bowl, squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the mushrooms. Discard the mushrooms. Set the dark broth aside.
- 2
Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add Haitian Epis and sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the green peas and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the bouillon, black pepper, and salt. If using shrimp, add them now and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Combine liquids and rice: Pour in the reserved djon djon broth, the remaining 4 cups of water, and coconut milk (if using). Add the whole scotch bonnets (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cook the rice: Add the rinsed jasmine rice to the pot. Stir well, then reduce heat to low, cover with foil and a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- 6
Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rice is rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch.
- ✓If djon djon mushrooms are unavailable, you can use other dried mushrooms and a touch of food coloring for color, though the flavor will differ.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers.
- Incorporate shredded dried shrimp for added umami.