Hangi the Traditional Maori Cooking Technique

Hangi is a traditional Maori cooking technique utilizing hot rocks and water to steam food underground.   The technique originated from early Maori settlers and is still practiced today because of the unique flavor it gives to the food. The way that a Hangi is prepared is truly unique. The whole process can literally take a whole day to complete.  The purpose of this article is to give you a brief overview of the whole Hangi process.  Hangi food has a taste unlike anything else you will ever try. 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 come to New Zealand, trying a Hangi is an absolute MUST try. You can't really say that you've been to New Zealand if you haven't eaten a Hangi. Here's how it's done:Step 1: Special volcanic stones are found as to provide the heat  for the cooking. Normal rocks won't normally do the job because they can shatter when heated to a high temperature.  Sourcing the right type of stones for this job is absolutely vital to the successful outcome of ANY Hangi. Step 2: These Hangi stones are placed in the fire and heated for quite a few hours until they are white hot. The timber used can change 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 timber will most likely make you sick and poison your food. Step 3: Dig your Hangi Pit. Find as many spare hands around for this step as possible.Step 4: Load your Hangi basket with a mixture of raw, but thoroughly defrosted, meat, vegetables, stuffing and 1-2 steamed puddings. Hangi baskets are generally made out of of wire or steel. The floor of the basket is normally lined and the food has to be packed in a certain style for optimum cooking.Step 5: Shift the hot stones into the hole. This job requires speed and skill. Every second counts as heat is being lost as the rocks are exposed to the air.  As soon as this transfer has occurred quickly set the basket on top of the hot stones.Step 6: Adorn the basket with damp 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 communal buffet. The fare is spread out on a table and people generally help themselves as they please. Good Hangi accompaniments include Fried Bread or Rewena Bread (Traditional Maori bread). If you wish to cook your own Hangi there is a lot more specific information you need with regards to your equipment, preparation and timing. If any one of these aspects is off your Hangi may possibly be a total disaster. If you want more information about this truly unique cooking technique visit Hangi.co.nz for photos, specific information and video footage.