Hangi Description

Hangi is a traditional Maori cooking technique utilizing hot rocks and water to steam food underground.   Maori settlers in New Zealand pioneered the technique which is widely known for it's distinct flavor. The way that a Hangi is prepared is truly unique. Preparation usually takes up to 1-2 days but is well worth it.  The purpose of this article is to give you a brief overview of the whole Hangi process. There is absolutely NO taste similar to a Hangi anywhere in the World. The food is buried underground where it cooks for several hours.  No, that wasn't a misprint. The food IS actually buried in the ground and totally covered with earth. If you ever travel to New Zealand, eating a Hangi is an absolute MUST DO. You can't really say that you've visited New Zealand if you haven't tried a Hangi. Here's how it's done:Step 1: Special volcanic rocks are located as a source of heat  for the cooking. Normal stones won't normally do the job because they can splinter during the heating process.  Finding the right type of rocks for this job is absolutely crucial to the successful outcome of ANY Hangi. Step 2: These stones are placed in the fire and heated for quite a few hours until they are white hot. The timber used can affect the taste of the Hangi for good or bad. Natural timber is best and there are few special types which give a lovely smoky taste. On the other hand, treated timber or chemicals in the wood can make you sick by tainting your hangi. Step 3: Dig the Hangi Pit. Have as many mates around for this step as possible.Step 4: Jam your Hangi basket with a mish mash of raw, but thoroughly defrosted, meat, vegetables, stuffing and 1-2 steamed puddings. Hangi baskets are normally constructed of wire or steel. The floor of the basket is usually lined and the food has to be filled in a certain style for optimum cooking.Step 5: Transfer the hot stones into the hole. Speed is of the essence during this step. This is where most Hangi's are undone, as the longer the stones are exposed the colder they will become. As soon as this transfer has been completed quickly position the basket on top of the hot rocks.Step 6: Adorn the basket with soggy sacking cloth.Step 7: Use spades to cover the Hangi again with dirt until there is no steam escaping.Step 8: Wait 2-3 hours and dig up the Hangi and 'Hey Presto', you've just cooked your very own Hangi!Hangi food is generally served as a shared buffet. The fare is spread out on a table and people usually help themselves as they please. Good Hangi accompaniments include Fried Bread or Rewena Bread (Traditional Maori bread). If you would like to cook your own Hangi there is a lot more specific information you require with regards to your equipment, preparation and timing. If any one of these aspects is off your Hangi may well be a total disaster. If you require more information about this truly unique cooking technique visit Hangi Guide NZ for photos, specific information and video footage.