EAST POINT, Ga. — Chef Alexandra “AJ” Jeudy is a finance professional, but also a trained chef.
As a Haitian- American, she often makes island cuisine for clients. But Jeudy says many expressed frustration they were unable to find Haitian food on their own.
“There are a couple of Haitian restaurants here in Atlanta, but not many. And especially not in East Point,” said Jeudy.
She recently created a YouTube Channel to help those who wanted to learn to cook the dishes themselves.
“I love teaching people and helping them realize cooking isn’t as hard as it seems,” said Jeudy.
However, Jeudy says many are still asking for a restaurant where they can simply walk in and purchase meals.
“When I first moved here, there really weren’t very many Haitians, but now I realize the community is truly growing,” said Jeudy.
Jeudy is hoping this introduction to what will be a new cuisine for many, is well received in the community.
“While we’re all from the Islands, Haitian food is still different from others. We have our own special style,” said Jeudy.
To learn updates for the pop-up restaurant go to AJ's Island Kitchen website.
If you'd like to make AJ's black rice yourself, here's the recipe:
AJ's Du Rit et Dijon Dijon (Black rice)
Ingredients:
-1 cup of Djon Djon (dried mushrooms)
***if you can't find the dried mushrooms you can purchase mushroom flavor cubes usually found in the ethnic food aisle of your grocery store
-2 cups of water
-1 cup Jasmine rice (it must be Jasmine rice to cook properly with the mushrooms)
- 1 Clove of chopped garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped Onion
-1/4 cup Green onion
-1/4 cup chopped thyme
- Add other seasonings to your taste
Directions
-Place the dried mushrooms or 2 flavor packets in a bowl of water. Allow the water to turn black.
-If you used the dried mushrooms, sift the mushrooms from the water with a strainer, so the only the black water remains.
- In a large pot, fry the vegetables slightly with olive oil until they are slightly brown.
- Add the water.
- Bring the water to a boil, and add the seasonings you desire.
- Add the rice and stir, making sure the rice is mixed well with the water.
- Cover, Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
Et Voila you have Black Rice! Bon Appetit!