Caribbean

Haitian Diri ak Djon Djon

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Haitian diri ak djon djon mushroom rice with peas, lima beans, and a small serving of pikliz.

Diri ak djon djon is Haiti’s distinctive mushroom rice, prized for its earthy aroma and naturally dark djon djon broth.

Careful straining keeps the broth clean, while beans, peas, thyme, and scallions make the rice satisfying enough for a shared meal.

Measure the strained broth before cooking so the rice stays loose rather than wet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with pikliz, fried plantain, avocado, or a simple braised vegetable dish.

Haitian mushroom rice being served from a dark communal bowl beside bright pikliz.

Recipe Notes

Cool rice quickly and refrigerate for no more than three days.

Haitian diri ak djon djon mushroom rice with peas, lima beans, and a small serving of pikliz.

Haitian Diri ak Djon Djon

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Haitian mushroom rice colored and flavored with djon djon broth, lima beans, peas, herbs, and aromatics.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Haitian
Calories: 410

Ingredients
 
 

Djon Djon Broth
  • 1 oz dried djon djon mushrooms gently rinsed
  • 5 cups water
Rice
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed and drained
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 whole scallions chopped
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 cup cooked lima beans drained
  • 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine salt

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Heavy pot with lid
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Make the Mushroom Broth:
  1. Simmer the djon djon mushrooms in the water for 12 minutes, then steep off heat for 10 minutes.
  2. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer lined with clean cloth. Measure 3 1/2 cups of dark broth.
Start the Rice:
  1. Cook onion, garlic, scallions, thyme, and cloves in oil for 5 minutes without browning. Stir in the rice for 2 minutes.
  2. Add measured mushroom broth and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
Finish:
  1. Fold in the lima beans and peas, cover, and cook 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and rest covered for 10 minutes.
  2. Remove thyme stems and cloves, fluff gently, and adjust seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 11gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 610mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5g

Notes

  • Strain the mushroom broth carefully so no grit reaches the rice.
  • Refrigerate promptly for up to three days and reheat with a spoonful of water.