How to Make Haitian Djondjon Rice (Diri Djondjon) — A Step-by-Step Guide

What Is Diri Djondjon?

If there's one dish that defines Haitian celebration tables, it's Diri Djondjon — fragrant black mushroom rice that turns a deep, earthy purple-black color and fills the kitchen with an aroma unlike anything else. Made from Djondjon, a wild dried mushroom native to northern Haiti, this dish is served at weddings, baptisms, holidays, and any gathering where the food has to be extraordinary.

For the Haitian diaspora, making Diri Djondjon at home is an act of love — a way to bring Haiti to your table no matter where you are in the world.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 cup dried Djondjon mushrooms — shop our 100% natural Djondjon here
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups warm water (for soaking the mushrooms)
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional, for richness)
• 1/2 lb small shrimp or lima beans (traditional add-ins)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Djondjon Mushrooms

Place your dried Djondjon mushrooms in 2 cups of warm water and let them soak for 20–30 minutes. You'll see the water turn a rich, dark black — that's the magic. This liquid is the soul of the dish. Strain the mushrooms out and reserve every drop of that black water. Discard the mushrooms themselves (they've done their job).

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil. Add garlic, bell pepper, thyme, and cloves. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Shrimp or Beans

If using shrimp, add them now and cook for 1–2 minutes. If using lima beans, add them at this stage as well. Season lightly with salt.

Step 4: Add the Djondjon Water & Rice

Pour in the reserved black mushroom water. If using coconut milk, add it now and adjust the total liquid to a 2:1 ratio (liquid to rice). Bring to a boil, then add your rinsed rice. Stir once, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Fluff & Serve

Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve alongside poul ak nwa (chicken with cashews), griot, or your favorite Haitian protein.

Tips for Perfect Diri Djondjon

• Don't skip the soak: The longer you soak, the deeper the color and flavor.
• Use quality Djondjon: The mushroom is everything. Our 100% natural dried Djondjon is sourced for authentic flavor.
• Resist lifting the lid: Steam is your friend — keep the pot covered while cooking.

Shop the Ingredients

Ready to make it? Get authentic Haitian Djondjon Dried Mushrooms delivered to your door — so you can bring this beloved dish to your table wherever home is.