Haitian Black Rice

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 djon djon than necessary. 

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: 

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. Medium yellow onion– Diced. This will bring some flavor. It is also a staple ingredient in Haitian food. 
4. 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.
5. Green Peas– Personal option. However, other beans such as lima beans or pigeon peas may also be used. 
6. Red Bell Pepper – adds a little sweetness to the rice. 
7. 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. 
8. 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

Diri Djon Djon Fried Rice

Air Fryer Fried Plantains

Plantain Balls

Haitian Griot

Haitian Lalo

Haitian Black Rice Recipe Notes: 

1. This rice tastes amazing with this Instant Pot Oxtail.
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. Before adding the rice, read the instructions in the back to learn how to clean it.
5. 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 and with this red snapper stew, or with this fried red snapper recipe. Delish!

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