Vegan Diri ak Djon Djon (Haitian Black Mushroom Rice)
Diri ak djon djon is a Haitian rice dish whose distinctive black color and deep, earthy aroma come from dried djon djon mushrooms, a variety native to northern Haiti. The mushrooms are steeped in hot water, and that infused liquid is used to cook the rice, building flavor throughout. This vegan version omits the traditional seafood and relies on the mushrooms alone to deliver the dish's characteristic richness, in about 50 minutes.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh sieve
- Large non-stick pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried djon djon mushrooms available at Caribbean or Haitian markets or online
- 4 cups water for simmering mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil such as grapeseed or avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed until water runs clear
- 1 teaspoon Haitian epis or green seasoning optional but recommended for authenticity
- 1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
Instructions
- Prepare the Djon Djon Mushroom Stock: In a medium saucepan, combine the dried djon djon mushrooms with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes. The water will turn a deep black color. Strain using a fine mesh sieve and set the liquid aside. Discard mushrooms or reuse if desired.
- Build Your Flavor Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes, until translucent and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Aromatics: Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice, coating it in the oil, onions, and garlic. Add epis if using. Toast gently for 2–3 minutes to build flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the reserved djon djon stock (should yield about 2 cups of liquid) and add sea salt. Stir once, bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 18–20 minutes, undisturbed, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Fluff: Gently fold in the thawed peas and carrots. Cover and allow to steam for 2–3 more minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, steep the djon djon mushrooms overnight before straining.
- Traditional Haitians sometimes add chopped scallions or thyme — feel free to experiment with herbs that suit your palate.
- Try substituting jasmine rice with brown rice, noting that it will require longer cooking and slightly more liquid.
Nutrition
Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 633mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 3473IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
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