Diri Kole Ak Pwa Rouj (Haitian Red Beans And Rice)

Whip up a batch of this authentic Diri Kole Ak Pwa Rouj (Haitian Red Beans and Rice) in under an hour. It’s loaded with bold delicious flavors, and it’s guaranteed to bring excitement to your weeknight dinners.

Haitian cuisine is known for its bold flavors. Ranging from stews like Haitian beef stew or this poulet en sauce, and even this pan-fried red snapper fish, or fritters, there are hundreds of recipes to enjoy. 

Not all Haitian recipes have a high spice level, which means you are left with more to enjoy the blend of meaty broths, lemon tanginess, and herbal flavors. 

One such dish is the Haitian Red Beans and Rice recipe or Diri Kole Ak Pwa Rouj, which has a traditional Haitian flavor.

Diri Kole Ak Pwa Rouj (Haitian Red Beans & Rice)

Also known as Diri ak Pwa Nwa Rouj, this Haitian red beans and rice recipe is a staple dish in the country. It’s celebrated in Haitian Creole and has become a part of our traditional tables.

It is considered a symbol of comfort meals, and it is sometimes referred to as one of our national dishes, next to the Diri Djon Djon (Haitian Black Rice).  

Dating back to post Haitian Revolution of 1804, as the country found ways to stabilize, European refugees and African descendants fled Haiti to New Orleans. 

Red beans and rice are linked to this war as it is believed to have been a dish commonly eaten among the enslaved people, who arrived with refugees. In the decadence of the city’s culinary traditions, you can taste the influences of the influx of people and culture on New Orleans’ Caribbean roots.

Louisianans eat red beans and rice every Monday as a traditional meal. In addition to being a beloved dish in the state, it is enjoyed throughout the country.

Many types of meats and vegetables can be used in this dish, such as ham, sausage, or celery. It is often served with cornbread or French bread in New Orleans, according to the Federal Writers Project.

Restaurants, festivals, and special events throughout Louisiana serve red beans and rice. Haitian and Louisiana’s iconic dish continues to foster a sense of community and tradition.

In Haiti, there’s not an exact recipe to make red beans and rice. Depending on the region and the cook’s preference, the dish may taste differently as with any other dish. However, the base to make this dish remains the same. 

For instance, in the north, coconut milk is sometimes used, while a tomato-based sauce is used in the southern part of the country, similar to making jollof rice. 

The classic version is prepared with large red beans or dark red kidney beans.

When it comes to flavor, chicken or pork broth or bouillon may be added to enhance the flavor and richness of the dish. 

As far as the spices are concerned, we recommend using Scotch Bonnet pepper or our Jacmel spice blend for an authentic bold flavor. 

The Scotch Bonnet pepper has a mildly sweet flavor with a cherry and apple undertone (you will love the diversity in flavor). In addition to this, finish the dish with fresh thyme, parsley, and or basil. 

History aside, let’s dive in on how to make this recipe. 

Diri Kole Ak Pwa Rouj Ingredients 

• Vegetables. Onions and Bell Pepper. You can also add Scotch Bonnet Pepper (see notes below), and Garlic Cloves.
• Seasonings. Salt, Pepper, Jacmel Seasoning.
• Herbs. Fresh Thyme and Fresh Parsley. 
• Beans. I use dried red beans for this recipe. If you want to use canned beans, be mindful that the color will not be as rich. 
• Liquids. In this recipe, I used water as this is what’s commonly used in Haiti. However, you may alter it by using chicken broth or stock. For a hint of acidity, you can add apple cider vinegar. 
• Rice. For this recipe, I used Jasmine rice. You can use any white rice. However, my favorites to use in this recipe are Jasmine or Basmati rice. White rice is ideal.
• Extras. Olive oil for cooking, chopped parsley for serving.

Recipe Variations

Although this recipe uses pantry staple items, you can alter it. As mentioned before, you can use Scotch Bonnet Peppers to further enhance the flavor of this dish. 

You can also add other herbs such as sage, rosemary, or cilantro (lightly). 

If you eat pork, you can add smoked pork meat, ham hocks, or smoked turkey neck. 

Cook’s Notes & Tips

• The Beans. Although you can use canned beans in this recipe, I highly recommend you use dry large or large kidney red beans. No need to let the beans soak first, as this is not traditionally soaked before cooking. However, soaking the beans reduces the gas that’s produced when the food is being digested.
• Cooking The Beans. The beans are cooked in the Instant Pot to save time. You can cook the beans on the stove. Be sure to check the water constantly to avoid burning the beans. Add more water as needed.
• The Rice. Similar to Jamaican red beans and rice, Haitian red beans and rice are also cooked together, in one pot. I like to use either Jasmine rice or Basmati Rice, which are both long-grain rice. To avoid having super sticky rice, avoid using short-grain rice as it may mush. This type of rice is commonly used for sushi or if you are purposely making sticky rice. 

How To Pair Your Haitian Rice

Serve with your favorite protein for a satisfying meal.

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can still pair it with different items to enjoy different textures and flavors. 

To begin with, you can serve it with fried plantains because they give a great contrast to the beans. On the other hand, if you want a toning addition to the bold flavors of rice and beans, sliced avocado is your best bet. 

One of the best options is Pikliz. It’s a spicy pickled vegetable combo that includes carrots, Scotch Bonnet peppers, cabbage, and onions.

In case you want to keep it simple, we recommend making a tomato salad with sliced tomatoes, cilantro, parsley, and onions (it will taste refreshing).

Storing Option

If you don’t want to lose the freshness of Haitian Red Beans and Rice (Diri Ak Pwa Rouj), we recommend that you refrigerate them properly. 

Place any leftovers in an airtight container. It’s best to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.

Once you’ve shifted everything into a container, eat your rice within three to four days. Also, while reheating, it’s better to add splashes of water to the rice to revive it. 

More Rice Recipes to Enjoy

After trying this diri ak pwa rouj recipe, we recommend you try this Instant Pot Rice and Beans Recipe, this Instant Pot Pigeon Peas and Rice recipe, this Haitian White Rice Recipe, and this Okra rice recipe. 

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