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    Haitian Food » Haitian Black Rice

    Haitian Black Rice

    Posted On February 1, 2020 By Mirlene Last updated January 6, 2022 24 Comments

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    Haitian Black Mushroom rice
    Haitian Black Mushroom Rice in white bowl recipe Pinterest Pin

    You’ll love this Instant Pot Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) Recipe. It’s fluffy, delicious, full of flavor, and cooks so much faster than over the stove or in a rice cooker.

    • Haitian Black Rice in white bowl topped with red bell pepper and green peas.

    I cannot believe January is OVER! It felt like it took FOR-EEEEEVVVVVA for this month to end. But this Haitian Black Mushroom Rice is a family favorite and I am happy to share the exact steps to make it with you, also as a celebration of the Black History Month Virtual Potluck. 

    As Haitian natives, rice is a staple of our daily consumption. Though in my family, we do try to minimize the amount of rice consumption due to the reduction of carbohydrates, it is still a very much enjoyable dish when we do have it. 

    This particular type of rice, black rice or black mushroom rice is special to us as it is my husband’s favorite, and you will always find it in our home during special occasions. Ironically, it is also present in most Haitian households on special occasions as well. 

     

    I am very particular about how meat is prepared, like this Poulet en sauce, and I am as equally as particular about how this rice is cooked. Since it is not something we make regularly, it should be perfectly cooked – always! No mushiness, no toughness, and definitely should not be runny. Of course, it is expected that it is well-seasoned.

    The whole idea of making this rice is to look forward to another occasion to have it again. It’s like thanksgiving in a dish. 

     What is Djon Djon (Black Mushroom – fungi)

    This particular mushroom is found all over Haiti, particularly in the northern region of Haiti. It is known as a delicacy and is often served at weddings, holidays, Sunday dinners, or on special occasions. There are some discrepancies as to the type of rice that is considered part of the national dish. Some say it is the Di Ri Djon DJon while others believe it’s Rice and Beans (red beans). Nonetheless, most of us love it and I believe you will too. 

    I omitted earlier that it is one of the most expensive ingredients in Haitian cuisine. Hence the reason why this particular rice is reserved for special occasions. It cannot be made with any type of mushrooms or fungi. It has to be this particular mushroom, and yes, it is safe and does not have any side effects. 

    This Djon Djon (mushroom) has a distinctive taste. It can be bitter if too much is added. For example, only a handful is needed to make a large pot that will feed a family of 4.

    These mushrooms are easily found in Haitian stores in larger cities, and are sold dried. 

    How to prepare djon djon

    It is best to soak the mushroom overnight for intense flavor, but it can be boiled prior to cooking in order to retrieve the water. Though the boiling process may be quicker and more convenient, personally, I think it uses more djon djon than necessary. 

    Some However, have blended it, which I especially like since it uses the entire djon djon and nothing is lost. It is especially helpful if you are press for time, as it will extract the dark color of the djon djon directly to prepare the rice. 

    If you so choose to do the overnight or the boiling process, the black mushroom/djon djon is to be discarded after the water has been extracted from it. Unlike other mushrooms that are visible in the dishes, such as this mushroom soup, you will not see the mushroom in the rice. 

    How to Make Haitian Black Rice – Diri Djon DJon

    As mentioned above there are a few methods to use to make Haitian black rice. For this recipe, the actual mushroom is not easily available in my region. Therefore, traveling to areas that are populated with Haitians aren’t always possible. For this reason, I used the Maggi Djon Djon. 

    You’ll need the following ingredients: 

    • Maggi djon djon
    1. Jasmine Rice– I prefer to use Jasmine rice for this recipe because of the flavor. It is also the commonly used rice in Haiti, and it smells great. 
    2. Maggie Cubes– Very delicious and taste just like the real deal (the djon djon or mushroom).
    3. Medium yellow onion– Diced. This will bring some flavor. It is also a staple ingredient in Haitian food. 
    4. Garlic cloves– Minced. This is also another staple and helps to enhance the flavor of the rice. 
    5. Green Peas– Personal option. However, other beans such as lima beans or pigeon peas may also be used. 
    6. Red bell pepper Strips– adds a little sweetness to the rice. 
    7. Peanut Oil– Normally, olive oil is used to make this rice. However, I like the taste of peanut oil; therefore, it is used in this recipe. Vegetable oil may also be used. 
    8. Salt and Pepper – Salt and pepper are not added to this recipe as the maggi djon djon is well seasoned.

    How to make Haitian Black Rice

    Prepare all of the ingredients. Slice the red bell peppers, dice or chop the onions, mince the garlic, and open the Maggi.

    • Open pack Maggi djon djon with red bell peppers

    Sautee the onion, garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant, then add the cube. Although 3 cubes are showing, I used for 4 cubes in the recipe. Dissolve the cubes completely by constantly stirring it.

    • saute onions and djon djon cube

    Meanwhile clean the rice in accordance to the instructions on the package. Once the cubes are dissolved, add the rice. Stir.

    • Rice with djon djon

    Add the water and thyme. Stir just a couple times.

    • djon djon boiling water with thyme

    The rice should look like this after you stir it. Now, cover the pot with the lid, turn the knob to sealing. Press the “Rice” button which will cook the rice for 12 minutes.

    • diri djon djon

    After 12 minutes, quick release, and add the frozen peas and red bell peppers. Stir it all together.

    The peas will not bring down the temperature. I like to add the peas at the end as it helps the color to remain vibrant.

    • frozen peas and red bell peppers in Haitian black rice

    The rice will look like this once everything is stirred together.

    • instant pot du riz djon djon

    Serve and enjoy!

    • Haitian Black Mushroom rice

    MORE HAITIAN FOOD TO TRY

    Air Fryer Fried Plantains

    Plantain Balls

    Haitian Griot

    Haitian Lalo

    Black History Month Special: Haitian Bite

    Happy Black History Month! I am happy to say that in this virtual potluck we have gathered to celebrate this special month through food in black culture.

    This rice is another staple in Haiti, as the first black country in the Western Hemisphere to gain their independence on January 1, 1804. Usually, Haitians celebrate their freedom with Soup Joumou, Haitian Squash Soup.

    This year I have teamed up with amazing black food bloggers from around the world to celebrate this special month through food in black culture.

    We are sharing dishes that made us drool for years! I hope you are hungry.

    2020 BHM VIRTUAL POTLUCK LINKS

    Beautiful Eats & Things | Honey Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes | vegetarian

    D.M.R. Fine Foods |Vegetarian Chili | vegetarian

    Dash of Jazz |Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits with Spiced Pear Compote | vegan

    Dish it with Tisha | Mushroom and Okra Po’ Boy |vegetarian

    Domestic Dee |Dirty Rice |vegan

    Food Fidelity |Vegan Curry Cauliflower | vegan

    Kenneth Temple |Wakanda Cake | vegan

    Marisa Moore Nutrition |Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Fritters | vegan

    Meiko and the Dish | Cajun Shrooms & Grits | vegetarian

    Rosalynn Daniels | Vegan Bread Pudding | vegan

    The Hungry Hutch | Vegetarian Southern-Style Collard Greens | Vegan

    Whisk it Real Gud | Vegan Jollof Rice | vegan

    A Little Food | Southern Sweet Fried Corn | vegan

    AGirlCalledAdri | Pound Cake | vegetarian

    Baum Ass Foods | Slow Cooked Black-eyed Peas + Greens | vegan

    Collards Are the Old Kale | Red Beans and Tri-Color Quinoa | vegetarian

    FoodLoveTog | Black-Eyed Pea Hummus | vegetarian

    Her Mise En Place | Rice Pudding | vegetarian

    Kalisha Blair | Yeasted Cornmeal Dinner Rolls | vegetarian

    Kenya Rae | Sweet potato Biscuits | vegetarian

    On Ty’s Plate | Collard Greens Salad with Orange Vinaigrette | vegetarian

    Orchids + Sweet Tea | Southerner’s Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bites | vegetarian

    Razzle Dazzle Life | Roasted Garlic White Veggie Lasagna | vegetarian

    Sweet Tea and Thyme Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping | vegetarian

    Orchids + Sweet Tea | Southerner’s Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bites | vegetarian

    Marisa Moore Nutrition | Crispy Roasted Okra with Peanut Sauce | vegan

    Kenneth Temple | Vegan File Gumbo | vegan

    Meiko and the Dish | Sweet Potato Pancakes | vegetarian

    Haitian Black Rice Recipe Notes: 

    1. What kind of rice to use to prepare Haitian black rice: You may use jasmine or Basmati rice. For this recipe, Jasmine rice is used. Be mindful of the cooking instructions as the rice cooks differently. 
    2. Although 3 cubes are showing in the picture above, I used for 4 cubes in the recipe. Dissolve the cubes completely by constantly stirring it.
    3. Before adding the rice, read the instructions in the back to learn how to clean it.
    4. The peas will not bring down the temperature. I like to add the peas at the end as it helps the color to remain vibrant.

    If you love this Haitian Black Rice recipe in the instant pot, try it with the Haitian Meatballs. Delish!

    Please tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish. Also, please give it a star rating below.

    Instant Pot Diri djon djon recipe

    Instant Pot Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    You’ll love this Instant Pot Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) Recipe. It’s fluffy, delicious, full of flavor, and cooks so much faster than over the stove or in a rice cooker. 
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Caribbean, Haitian
    Servings 8 Servings
    Calories 185 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups Jasmine Rice
    • 4 Maggi Cubes
    • 1 Medium yellow onion Diced
    • 3 Garlic cloves Minced
    • 2 cups Frozen green peas
    • ½ Red bell pepper strips
    • 2 tbsp. Peanut oil or olive oil
    • 3 cups Water
    • 2 Thyme sprigs

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare all of the ingredients. Slice the red bell peppers, dice or chop the onions, mince the garlic, and open the Maggi.
    • Sautee the onion and garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant, then add the cubes. Dissolve the cubes completely by constantly stirring it.
    • Meanwhile, as the cubes continue to dissolve, clean the rice in accordance with the instructions on the package.
    • Once the cubes are dissolved, add the rice. Stir to fully incorporate all of the ingredients.
    • Add the water and thyme. Stir just a couple times.
    • Cover the pot with the lid, turn the knob to sealing. Press the "Rice" button which will cook the rice for 12 minutes. 
    • After 12 minutes, quick release, and add the frozen peas and red bell peppers. Stir it all together. But not too much. Just enough to mix everything. 
    •  Serve warm and enjoy! 

    Video

    Notes

    This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure here. 
    ***Calories are estimated per serving***

    HAITIAN BLACK RICE RECIPE NOTES: 

    1. What kind of rice to use to prepare Haitian black rice: You may use jasmine or Basmati rice. For this recipe, Jasmine rice is used. Be mindful of the cooking instructions as the rice cooks differently. 
    2. Although 3 cubes are showing in the picture above, I used for 4 cubes in the recipe. Dissolve the cubes completely by constantly stirring it.
    3. Before adding the rice, read the instructions in the back to learn how to clean it.
    4. The peas will not bring down the temperature. I like to add the peas at the end as it helps the color to remain vibrant.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8ServingsCalories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 48mgPotassium: 138mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 7mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia

      September 05, 2020 at 5:02 pm

      After years of scarfing down black rice at family gatherings I figured it was about time to try and make it for myself! This recipe looks great, however I don’t have an instant pot. Any idea how to modify this recipe in order to cook the rice on the stove?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        September 05, 2020 at 5:11 pm

        Hi Julia,
        Thank you for your comment. Please stay tune as we have a stovetop version coming in the next few days.

        Reply
    2. Marie-Alice Rigaud

      March 03, 2020 at 10:58 pm

      Merci merci! Thank you so much for this step by step recipe. Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    3. Jacqueline Debono

      February 27, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      This Haitian black rice looks and sounds amazing. I’m not sure I can find those maggi cubes here but I will do some research!

      Reply
    4. Toni

      February 27, 2020 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved it! I will definitely make it again! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    5. Julia

      February 27, 2020 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      What an interesting recipe! Will try to find those cubes so I can give it a go!

      Reply
    6. Carrie Robinson

      February 27, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      I have never heard of this before! I totally want to try it though. 🙂

      Reply
    7. Sandra Mitchell

      February 17, 2020 at 9:38 pm

      I actually have djon djon! My mom brought me some from Florida 🙌🏾😍 You mentioned blending it. Do I boil it then blend it? Or just adding water when I blend. After it’s blended do I just add it to the water for the rice?

      I L❤VE my instant pot. The thought of making this in it sends me to my happy place 🤗

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 18, 2020 at 1:30 am

        hahahah I completely understand. You are so very lucky! 🙂 I’ll have to pick some up when I’m in NY or FL.
        Here’s what to do: Measure the amount you need (base on family size). Add it to the blender with the amount of water needed to cook the rice. No need to boil for this process. Next, once it’s blended, strain the djon djon in a fitted bowl. Here’s where you need to be careful. Blending it will enhance the flavor, which can also make it a little bitter. I recommend working in batches. For example, if the water is too light, add more of the mushroom or vice versa. You will need to rely on your sense and taste for this to work for you. Use the water from the djon djon you strained to make the rice. In my opinion, the darker the water is, the better. With that being said, to be honest, if you are not familiar with working this mushroom, the best option is to let it soak overnight. Extract the water and use it to make the rice.

        I hope this helps! 🙂

        Reply
        • Sandra

          February 25, 2020 at 2:00 am

          Well I did it before I saw your reply! I totally winged it! I cooked the djon djon in the instant pot for 5 mins. Puréed the entire thing with an immersion blender. I added liquid to it to cook rice and never strained the djon djon from the water!
          It certainly was NOT my mom’s rice.🤦🏾‍♀️

          Nevertheless, I’m Haitian and I don’t waste rice. It was edible and my family enjoyed it. 🙌🏾#firstgenerationantics

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            February 26, 2020 at 5:14 am

            Awww I’m sorry you saw my reply so late. BUT I am glad your family enjoyed it. There’s always a next time. I hope to see your dish on IG or FB soon! You are exactly right, as Haitians, we do not waste rice…at all 🙂

            Reply
        • Lakeisha Henry

          November 24, 2021 at 2:13 am

          As a child it was my job to separate the stem from the top of the mushroom. My grandmother would soak them separately overnight. She would at the tops and the water to the rice and only the water from the stems. She explained that it was the stems that caused the rice to be bitter if included. PS – she often added shrimp – oh how I miss her💕

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            November 24, 2021 at 3:08 am

            Thank you so much for your beautiful story. We also add shrimp, sweet peas, carrots, and even crabs from time to time. The Black rice is so incredibly versatile. Your grandmother sound like she was a wonderful cook. These memories are to be treasured. Thanks again for reading and stopping by. Happy Holidays!

            Reply
    8. Taylor Kiser

      February 11, 2020 at 12:13 am

      5 stars
      Love that I can use the instant pot to make this Haitian Black Rice! Such an easy and delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 11, 2020 at 7:32 pm

        Thank you, Taylor!

        Reply
      • Kushigalu

        February 27, 2020 at 3:43 pm

        5 stars
        Interesting rice recipe. I love to try sometime new always with rice. Thanks for sharing

        Reply
    9. Tisha

      February 11, 2020 at 12:02 am

      5 stars
      This rice looks so incredibly flavorful! Definitely great for a side dish!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 11, 2020 at 7:32 pm

        Thank you, Tisha!

        Reply
    10. Sapana

      February 10, 2020 at 11:56 pm

      5 stars
      So much flavor and so easy to make in the Instant Pot!

      Reply
    11. Elaine

      February 10, 2020 at 11:50 pm

      5 stars
      I am incredibly excited to explore Haitian cuisine a bit more. Every dish that I stumble upon looks extremely delicious. And this recipe is not an exception. Can’t wait to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 11, 2020 at 7:33 pm

        Thanks, Elaine. Hope you like it.

        Reply
    12. Jayne

      February 10, 2020 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe. Love the step by step information. Love trying need things, adding this one to my side dish must makes.

      Reply
    13. Cocoa

      February 03, 2020 at 8:51 pm

      THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for such thorough instructions and amazing pictures! I’m Jamaican and my male friend (-blushes-) is Haitian and his favorite meal is Haitian Black Rice, Haitian Mac & Cheese, Fried Plantains. I’ll be making all 3 and your Poulet En Sauce recipe for Valenetine’s Day. I’m nervous as heck, but excited to try your recipes! Thank you again!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 04, 2020 at 11:47 am

        You are VERY WELCOME! I am excited for you 🙂 DO NOT BE NERVOUS. You got this! Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. I also have a Haitian Mac and Cheese coming soon (hopefully by Valentine’s Day). Enjoy your meal with your male friend (-double blushes 🙂 ) I would love to hear about your experience with the meal.

        Reply

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