Diri Ak Djon Djon
Dark and Decadent
The deep color and umami flavor in this rice dish comes from the djon djon, which means mushroom in Creole. The rice is first gently toasted with herbs and spices before being steamed in the stock created from the djon djon.
Djon djon is seasonal and hard to come by, which makes this Haitian dish a special occasion meal that is served alongside a hearty protein.
This recipe comes to us from Kelynne Edmond, 46, a nurse practitioner from New York City who survived coronavirus.
Ms. Edmond is looking forward to enjoying this dish alongside her turkey and Thanksgiving fixings.
What we’re cooking this Thanksgiving.
Meet more survivors of the coronavirus and see the dishes they are most looking forward to enjoying.
DIRI AK DJON DJON
8 servings | Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups djon djon (dried black mushrooms)
4 cups water
1 tbs epis, a Haitian seasoning base
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbs olive oil
½ cup white onion, chopped
Pinch of salt
½ tsp ground cloves
1 (12-oz) can lima beans
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole
2 cups Madame Gougousse or any jasmine rice
PREPARATION:
Place the mushrooms in a bowl and remove any foreign impurities. Place the mushrooms that have been picked clean in a pan of water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Next, bring the mushrooms and water to a boil, then turn it off to cool. Use a strainer to separate the mushrooms from the stock. Set aside the stock for later, and discard the mushrooms.
Heat a rice pot on medium. Heat the oil before adding the epis, garlic, onions, salt, cloves and lima beans. Sauté for 5 minutes or until onions brown. Add the rice and stir for 3 to 5 minutes.
Add two cups of the mushroom stock. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat when most of the water evaporates (approximately 10-15 minutes). Stir the rice, set the temperature to low. Add the thyme and pepper. Cover the pot and steam the rice for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove both the thyme and pepper before serving.
A healthy serving portion is between one half and one cup.
