This extraordinarily flavorful Haitian black rice (Diri Djon Djon) will have you be prepared for the festivities or family dinner on Sundays. A dark, nutrient-dense mushroom liquid simmers with fluffy granules of white rice. For a gratifying meal, complement it with your preferred protein.
Whether you’re planning a sophisticated Sunday dinner or a holiday delicacy, this Haitian black rice is simply divine. The versatility that this rice possesses is boundless.
Rice is an essential component of our daily diet as indigenous Haitians. It remains a tremendously pleasurable dish even though my family strives to consume as little of it as possible, to reduce carbohydrate intake.
This particular type of rice, black rice or black mushroom rice is special to us as it is also 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.
Just as I am particular about the preparation of meat (as in this Poulet en sauce), so too am I particular about the cooking of this rice. Since we do not prepare this dish frequently, it must always be prepared to perfection.
Absence of mushiness and toughness, and in particular, non-runniness. It is naturally anticipated that it will be suitably seasoned.
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.
It is one of the most costly components in Haitian cuisine, which I neglected to mention earlier. That is why this type of rice is only given on extraordinary occasions. You can’t make it with any mushroom or fungus. It must be this specific mushroom, and yes, it is completely risk-free.
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 before cooking to retrieve the water. Though the boiling process may be quicker and more convenient, personally, I think it uses more
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 pressing 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, 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 isn’t always possible. For this reason, I sometimes use the Maggi Djon Djon. However, be mindful that this seasoning cube does contain MSG.
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- Jasmine Rice– I prefer to use Jasmine Rice for this recipe because of the flavor. It is also the most commonly used rice in Haiti, and it smells great.
- Dry Djon Djon or Maggie Cubes– The cubes are very delicious and taste just like the real deal. You can also find the djon djon here as well.
- Medium yellow onion– Diced. This will bring some flavor. It is also a staple ingredient in Haitian food.
- Saint Marc Seasoning Blend or Garlic cloves– If using fresh garlic, be sure to mince the garlic. This is also another staple and helps to enhance the flavor of the rice. Also, add Jacmel Seasoning blend for depth of flavor.
- Green Peas– Personal option. However, other beans such as lima beans or pigeon peas may also be used.
- Red Bell Pepper – adds a little sweetness to the rice.
- Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Canola Oil, or 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.
- Salt and Pepper – Omit salt and pepper if using the
Maggi djon djon . The cube alone will season the dish.
Instant Pot Cooking Option
Prepare all of the ingredients. Slice the red bell peppers, dice or chop the onions, mince the garlic, prepare the dry djon djon or use the Maggi.
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.
Meanwhile clean the rice in accordance to the instructions on the package. Once the cubes are dissolved, add the rice. Stir.
Add the water and thyme. Stir just a couple times.
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.
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.
The rice will look like this once everything is stirred together.
Serve and enjoy!
MORE HAITIAN FOOD TO TRY
Haitian Black Rice Recipe Notes:
- This rice tastes amazing with this Instant Pot Oxtail.
- 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.
- Although 3 cubes are shown in the picture above, I used for 4 cubes in the recipe. Dissolve the cubes completely by constantly stirring it.
- Before adding the rice, read the instructions in the back to learn how to clean it.
- 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 to see your beautiful dish. Also, please give it a star rating below.
Instant Pot Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Saucepan
- Instant Pot Optional
Ingredients
- 3 ½ Cups Jasmine Rice; Washed until the water runs clear
- 4 Cups Dry Djon Djon
- 1 Green Onion; Diced
- ⅓ Cup Yellow Onion; Diced
- 2 Tbsp. Garlic Paste; or 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 PK Frozen Sweet Peas (14-ounce pack); Thawed
- ½ Bell Pepper; Any Color (diced)
- ¼ Cup Canola Oil
- 8 Cups Water; Reserve 4 cups
- 3-5 Thyme Sprigs
- 2 Tbsp. Jacmel Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp. Saint-Marc Seasoning Blend
- 1 ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
- 2 Tbsp. Wine Vinegar
Instant Pot Method
- 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
Stovetop Cooking Method
- Prepare all of the ingredients and set aside. Blend the djon djon with 4 cups of water. Strain it using a sieve until the liquid is no longer visible. Add 4 cups of water and continue to strain. Reserve 4 cups of the djon djon liquid to cook the rice. Store the remaining 4 cups in the freezer for later use. Over medium heat, heat the oil and saute the vegetables: peppers, onions, and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the washed rice and add the seasoning (Jacmel, Saint-Marc, and the salt. Stir well to combine. Then add the djon djon liquid. Next, add the thyme, stir well, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover and allow the rice to cook until the water has evaporated. Add the sweet peas and mix well. Cover and allow the dish to come to temperature for about 5 minutes. Serve hot with your preferred protein.
Instant Pot Method
- 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 by rinsing it with water until the liquid runs clear.
- 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.
Video
Notes
- 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.
- 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.
- Before adding the rice, read the instructions in the back to learn how to clean it.
- 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.
Julia says
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?
Mirlene says
Hi Julia,
Thank you for your comment. Please stay tune as we have a stovetop version coming in the next few days.
Marie-Alice Rigaud says
Merci merci! Thank you so much for this step by step recipe. Can’t wait to try it!
Jacqueline Debono says
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!
Toni says
My family loved it! I will definitely make it again! Thanks for the recipe!
Julia says
What an interesting recipe! Will try to find those cubes so I can give it a go!
Carrie Robinson says
I have never heard of this before! I totally want to try it though. 🙂
Sandra Mitchell says
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 🤗
Mirlene says
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! 🙂
Sandra says
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
Mirlene says
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 🙂
Lakeisha Henry says
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💕
Mirlene says
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!
Taylor Kiser says
Love that I can use the instant pot to make this Haitian Black Rice! Such an easy and delicious recipe!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Taylor!
Kushigalu says
Interesting rice recipe. I love to try sometime new always with rice. Thanks for sharing
Tisha says
This rice looks so incredibly flavorful! Definitely great for a side dish!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Tisha!
Sapana says
So much flavor and so easy to make in the Instant Pot!
Elaine says
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!
Mirlene says
Thanks, Elaine. Hope you like it.
Jayne says
Great recipe. Love the step by step information. Love trying need things, adding this one to my side dish must makes.
Cocoa says
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!
Mirlene says
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.