How to make the best Black Mushroom Rice (Black Rice with Djon-Djon Mushrooms or Riz Djon Djon)

The famous Black Mushroom Rice (Black Rice with Djon-Djon, Riz Djon Djon, Diri ak Djon Djon, or Diri Djon Djon) is a traditional Haitian dish. This rice is commonly served with meat, poultry, or seafood dishes, specializing in Haitian culinary culture.

This Haitian Black Rice recipe is present in most events, whether at family or public gatherings. It is also served at all Haitian restaurants. Black Mushroom Rice, or Djon Djon Rice, is one of the most requested recipes on this website and Haitian Caribbean gatherings.

What is djon djon mushrooms, and where to find it

Djon Djon is a type of mushroom. The Djon-Djon mushrooms are grown in northern Haiti and sold dried. This type of fungus – djon djon – is mainly used for cooking rice, meat, and poultry in Haiti.

Unfortunately, the djon djon mushrooms are not sold in every supermarket. You will not be able to find it in your local supermarket in the US. You may find Djon Djon Maggie Cubes in West Indian markets. But the dried mushroom is sold by a large concentration of Haitian people. You may find it in Haitian-owned stores as well.

The Djon Djon mushrooms can be found on Amazon and Etsy. The price is very high. So, I suggest finding a West-Indian or Haitian-owned store to get the mushroom. It will be more affordable.

How to use Djon Djon mushroom in cooking

The boiling method applies when djon djon mushrooms are used for cooking other dishes, such as meat or poultry. The mushrooms are boiled in water. The water is then preserved to prepare a sauce for the meat or poultry or cooked with rice. That is how dishes get their colors: dark gray or black.

The more djon djon you add to the water, the darker it will become. But of course, you have to ensure the water is sufficient for whatever you are cooking.

Do you want to use Maggie Djon Djon? Use it as a seasoning because it contains other spices and salt. The cube also has djon djon. Depending on the amount of water, your dish will turn black or dark gray. Whether you are using dried Djon Djon or Maggie Djon Djon, it is recommended to use a reasonable amount so the water can have the right color for cooking the rice.

What are the health benefits of djon djon? 

Djon djon is a type of mushroom that may be a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. While there are no scientific studies to confirm these health benefits, djon djon rice is a popular dish in many Haitian households.

How to make Black Mushroom Rice or Rice with Djon Djon or Mushrooms Rice the Haitian way.

Cooking rice with Djon Djon is very easy. You either soak or boil the Djon Djon and use the water to cook the rice. You should only add additional water if necessary. Make sure you have plenty of djon djon water to cook the rice. If you need water, use the leftover mushrooms to resoak or boil. If you use regular water or chicken broth, the rice will not be dark, and the taste might change. It is always good to adjust your seasoning.

Seasoning this Haitian mushroom rice the right way is essential. Many cooks will use chicken bouillon and a mixture of dried or green seasoning blends. Many others will only use chicken bouillon seasoning. Whatever seasoning you use, ensure it is not strong, as the mushroom will give the rice an earthy and flavorful aroma. Another option is chicken stock or broth.

How to cook Djon Djon Rice or Rice with Djon Djon or Diri ak DjonDjon

Before preparing this dish, you need a good rice brand and type. Usually, long-grain rice is recommended. I recommend soaking the mushroom for at least 2 hours and then boiling it. This process makes the water darker.

The rice is prepared the same way as any other rice dish. The exact amount of water you will use for cooking white rice, for example, the same amount of mushroom water, is needed. If you need 2 cups of water, boil about 1/4 cup of mushrooms in 2 cups. The only difference with the recipe afterward is adding green peas or lima beans. So, take into account the moisture of the beans or peas.

Are you using frozen lima beans or frozen peas? The peas or beans should be cooked in the pot before adding the rice. This way, everything will cook evenly. Adding shallots, scallion, parsley, and even hot pepper is common.

Regarding seafood, it is best to cook shrimp, lobster, or langoustine separately. It will be overcooked if you add any seafood mentioned to cook with the rice. You can season the seafood, sautee it in a separate pan, and add it to the rice during the last few minutes of cooking. Or you can serve the rice, let’s say, with shrimp creole. This combination is a delight!

What is the best to make Black Mushroom Rice?

The best time to make rice with djon djon is when you have enough time to soak the mushrooms for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will help to soften the mushrooms and make them more flavorful.

If you are short on time, you can quickly soak the mushrooms in a boiling water bowl for 15 minutes. However, it is important to note that quick soaking will not produce the same flavor and texture as soaking the mushrooms overnight.

Once the mushrooms are soaked, the rice can be cooked in about 20 minutes. Therefore, the total cooking time for rice with djon djon is about 2-3 hours, depending on how long you soak the mushrooms.

Here is a suggested timeline for making rice with djon djon:

• Morning: Soak the mushrooms in water.
• Afternoon: Cook the rice with djon djon.
• Evening: Serve the rice with djon djon with your favorite Haitian side dishes.

However, you can make rice with djon djon at any time of day that is convenient for you. Just be sure to factor in the soaking time for the mushrooms.

The perfect combination for the Haitian Rice Mushroom Rice recipe

Below are a few dish ideas to enjoy Rice with Djon Djon.

• Creole Shrimp
• Chicken with Peppers and Onions
• Goat in Creole Sauce

Notes and Tips for Black Mushroom Rice or Rice with Djon Djon:

• Use high-quality dried black mushrooms. They will have a richer flavor.
• Soak the mushrooms for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This will help to rehydrate them and release their flavor.
• Don’t overcook the rice. It should be cooked through but still have a bit of a bite.
• Serve the rice hot with your favorite Haitian dishes, such as griot, tassot, or lalo.
• If adding shrimp or lobster, clean and lightly season the seafood first and add before simmering.
• If you use a Scotch bonnet pepper, remove the seeds and ribs before adding them to the pot. This will help to reduce the heat of the pepper.
• Do not over-mix; the rice will not be grainy.
• Use long-grain rice. Use good quality rice. It will make a big difference in the flavor of your rice.
• You can also buy Maggi Djon-Djon in many West-Indians stores. If you are using it, omit the chicken bouillon from the recipe.
• You can cook the rice in the mushroom broth flavored with your preferred seasoning blend for a richer flavor.
• Black Mushroom Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Here are some variations on the Djon Djon Rice recipe:

• Add cayenne pepper, NouBess Hot and Spicy Sauce, or Crushed Red Pepper for a bit of heat.
• Add a handful of chopped parsley or red and yellow bell peppers for freshness.
• Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian or vegan option.
• Serve the rice with Lambi for a more exotic meal.
• Another option is to add ground-dried shrimp to the broth before adding the rice.

How to store Djon Djon Rice.

• Black Mushroom Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
• A Ziploc bag works well, also.

How to reheat djon djon rice

Using a skillet on the stovetop at low heat is best to reheat the rice. You may need to add a little water to add moisture to the grains.

Make this recipe for Sunday dinners and special occasions.

Interesting facts about Rice with Djon Djon

Here are some interesting facts about rice with djon djon:

• Djon djon mushrooms are native to Haiti and are only found in the country’s northern region.
• Djon djon mushrooms are a delicacy in Haiti and are often served on special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.
• Not all recipes for Djon djon mushrooms will taste the same way. Once you have mastered this recipe, you will want to make it often.
• Add bacon or enduie to make the rice more flavorful.
• You might be disappointed when tasting the rice and not tasting the mushroom. This is because many people will mix the mushroom broth with black bean broth. Yes, it is true and common. So, be aware of the taste!
• Rice with djon djon is a popular dish in Haiti and is also enjoyed by people of Haitian descent worldwide.
• Rice with djon djon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as griot (fried pork), pikliz (spicy pickled cabbage), or plantains.

Here are some additional interesting facts:

• The name “djon djon” comes from the Haitian Creole word for “black mushroom.”
• Djon djon mushrooms are typically dried before being used in cooking. This process helps to preserve their flavor and make them easier to store.
• To make rice with djon djon, the mushrooms are first soaked in water to soften them. Then, they are cooked with rice, onions, garlic, and other spices.
• Rice with djon djon can be cooked with brown rice and yellow rice. The texture and taste will be different but still taste good.
• Can you eat the rice with Kimchi? Absolutely! Everyone’s taste buds are different. Enjoy the recipe with your favorite side dish.
• Always serve the rice hot and not cold. Cold Rice with Djon Djon does not taste that great. The grains of rice will not be that soft when chewing.
• If your co-workers know you are Haitian, prepare to make the rice for them. And if you are not of Haitian descent and know how to make this rice, your co-workers might love you even more if you make it for them.
• In addition to being used in rice dishes, djon djon mushrooms can also be used in soups, stews, and other Haitian dishes.

I hope you find these facts interesting!

Black Mushroom Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can make the best Black Mushroom Rice at home in no time!

Here’s the recipe!

Black Mushroom Rice (Black Rice with Djon-Djon Mushrooms or Riz Djon Djon)

Rice with Djon Djon is best enjoyed with Creole Chicken, Chicken with Cashews, a seafood dish or simple a roasted meat.

4.84 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Caribbean

Servings 6

Calories 333 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice yellow if preferred, good brand rice
• 1 cup Djon-Djon dried mushroom sold in Haitian Grocery Stores
• 4 1/2 cups Water
• 1 cup Baby Lima Beans or Greens Peas frozen and then thawed
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic minced or finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Thyme leaves only
• 2 Scallions stalks finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Green Pepper finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Black Pepper
• 4 Whole Cloves
• 1 1/2 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon Powder
• 1 small Whole Hot Pepper or a few drops of Hot Sauce optional
• Additional salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Clean mushrooms by removing any dirt. In a large bowl, add mushrooms and water and let soak overnight for best result. When ready to cook the rice, transfer the mushrooms and liquid to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let boil for about 5 minutes at medium high heat then remove from stove. Do not cover saucepan or the liquid will spill over while boiling. Drain and set aside. Only the liquid will be used to cook the rice.
• In another large pot or pan, heat oil. Add garlic, scallions, thyme, cloves and green pepper. Let mixture fry for about 1 minutes. Add thawed green peas or baby lima beans and chicken bouillon powder. Stir to mix well. Best use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add mushroom water to pan. Add salt and pepper to taste if necessary. Once water starts to boil, add rice and whole hot pepper if using. Gently stir. Do not over stir. When water has almost evaporated and you only see the ingredients, lower heat and cover. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked and still grainy. Serve hot with a meat or seafood dish.

Notes

A specialty dish of Haiti.

• Use high-quality dried black mushrooms. They will have a richer flavor.
• Soak the mushrooms for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This will help to rehydrate them and release their flavor.
• Don’t overcook the rice. It should be cooked through but still have a bit of a bite.
• Serve the rice hot with your favorite Haitian dishes, such as griot, tassot, or lalo.
• If adding shrimp or lobster, clean and lightly season the seafood first and add before simmering.
• If you use a Scotch bonnet pepper, remove the seeds and ribs before adding them to the pot. This will help to reduce the heat of the pepper.
• Do not over-mix; the rice will not be grainy.
• Use long-grain rice. Use good quality rice. It will make a big difference in the flavor of your rice.
• You can also buy Maggi Djon-Djon in many West-Indians stores. If you are using it, omit the chicken bouillon from the recipe.
• You can cook the rice in the mushroom broth flavored with your preferred seasoning blend for a richer flavor.
• Black Mushroom Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 333kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 317mgPotassium: 278mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 171IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg

Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.

Keyword djon djon mushroom, djon djon rice, rice dinner, rice dish

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tried this recipe?Mention @noubesscaribbean or tag #noubesscaribbean!

Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.

Time to stock up your Pantry! Shop Noubess.comCheck out Noubess Shop!

Corn Allergy:

Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.

Originally published on January 22, 2013