Diri ak Djon Djon (Black Mushroom Rice)

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Traditional

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Portions:4 Portions

Time: 1 hr

This Black Mushroom Rice (Diri ak Djon Djon) recipe uses dried black mushrooms or djon djon which are native to the northern part of Haiti. Considered a delicacy, they are not used in everyday cooking. During the boiling process, they release a brown-black coloring to the broth, giving this recipe and many others a distinctive aroma, flavor and color. This rice is usually served with tasso (fried meet) or  a fish dish.

Ingredients

• 2 Cups of Dried Black Mushrooms (djon-djon)
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tsp Ground cloves
• 1 (12-ounce) can lima beans (or  frozen green peas)
• 1 to 2 thyme sprigs
• 1 green Scotch bonnet pepper

1. In small pot, soak mushrooms in 4 cups water for 10 minutes.
2. Boil mushrooms on low heat for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the mushroom water into another container for later use. The mushrooms in the strainer will no longer be needed.
4. In a large pot, sauté the garlic and onions on medium heat for 2 minutes. (A little secret, I use half of a chopped red pepper to enhance the flavor and give it some color)
5. Add the rice and stir for 3-5 min.
6. Next, add the mushroom water, salt, cloves (as desired) and lima beans.
7. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat. When most of the water evaporates (approximately 10-15 min) stir the rice and set the temperature to low.
8. Add Scotch bonnet pepper and thyme.
9. Cover the pot and steam the rice for 15 min.
10. Serve with sauteed shrimps on top.

Bon Appétit!