Haitian Black Rice

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.

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: 

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.

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!

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 Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) Recipe

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 10 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Caribbean, Haitian

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 185kcal

Author: Mirlene

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: 8Servings | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 7mg

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