Haitian Black Mushroom Rice

Diri ak djon djon

Ingredients13

• dried djon djon mushrooms30 g
• long-grain white rice400 g
• water1 L
• vegetable oil3 tbsp
• onion1
• garlic4 cloves
• scallions4
• fresh thyme4 sprigs
• whole cloves3
• lima beans200 g
• salt1 tsp
• black pepper1/2 tsp
• Scotch bonnet pepper1

Method

1. Soak the dried djon djon mushrooms in 1 L of warm water for 30 minutes, then strain and reserve the dark liquid. Discard the mushroom solids or finely chop a few pieces to return to the pot.
2. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear and drain well.
3. Heat the oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced scallions and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the rice, thyme, cloves, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes so the grains are coated.
5. Pour in the reserved mushroom liquid, add the lima beans and the whole Scotch bonnet, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove the thyme stems, cloves, and Scotch bonnet. Fluff the rice and serve hot.