Haitian (Djon Djon) Black Rice

Djon Djon Rice is a uniquely Haitian delicacy made with black djon djon mushrooms, grown in the north of the island. It is very popular in the Haitian community at home and abroad. Along with Griot (fried pork), it’s one of the signature dishes of Haiti.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups long grain rice, uncooked
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup Djon-Djon mushrooms
  • 1 green scotch bonnet pepper, whole
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 1 (12oz) can green peas or lima beans
  • 4-6 whole cloves

NSTRUCTIONS

  1. Simmer mushrooms in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. Allow to cool, and then blend until smooth.
  2. Strain with a cheesecloth lined strainer, reserving the liquid.
  3. Heat oil in a cast-iron pot over medium heat. Saute the garlic, onion, and shallot for 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir for 3 minutes. Add 3 cups of the reserved mushroom water, the salt, cloves, and lima beans or green peas. Bring to a boil and cook until the water evaporates.
  4. Lower heat, stir in the butter, and place the whole scotch bonnet pepper and thyme on top of the rice. Cover pot tightly and cook for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove hot pepper and thyme, stir, and serve.
Adapted from Everything Haitian & Tastetheislandtv.com 

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