| class="googleright"> | | | | Hangi Pit. Find as many mates around for this step as |
| Hangi is a traditional Maori cooking technique utilizing | | | | possible.Step 4: Stuff your Hangi basket with a |
| hot rocks and water to steam food underground. | | | | combination of raw, but thoroughly defrosted, meat, |
| Â Maori settlers in New Zealand pioneered the | | | | vegetables, stuffing and 1-2 steam puddings. Hangi |
| technique which is widely known for it's distinct | | | | baskets are generally constructed of wire or steel. |
| flavour. The way that a Hangi is prepared is truly | | | | The bottom of the basket is normally lined and the |
| unique. The whole process can literally take a whole | | | | food has to be stacked in a certain way for optimum |
| day to complete. This article briefly explains exactly | | | | cooking.Step 5: Transport the hot stones into the pit. |
| how a Hangi is prepared in the traditional way. There | | | | Speed is of the essence during this step. This is |
| is absolutely NO taste similar to a Hangi anywhere in | | | | where most Hangi's are undone, as the longer the |
| the World. Hangi food is steamed underground atop | | | | stones are exposed the colder they will become. |
| hot rocks. No, that wasn't a misprint. The food IS | | | | Once this transfer has happened quickly lay the |
| actually buried in the ground and totally covered with | | | | basket on top of the hot stones.Step 6: Swathe the |
| earth. If you ever visit New Zealand, experiencing a | | | | basket with wet sacking cloth.Step 7: Use spades to |
| Hangi is an absolute MUST try. You can't truly say | | | | cover the Hangi again with earth until there is no |
| that you've experienced New Zealand if you haven't | | | | steam escaping.Step 8: Wait 2-3 hours and dig up the |
| tried a Hangi. Here's how it's done:Step 1: Special | | | | Hangi and 'Hey Presto', you've just cooked your very |
| volcanic stones are located as the heat source for | | | | own Hangi!Hangi fare is generally served as a |
| the cooking. Normal rocks won't usually do the job | | | | communal buffet. The fare is spread out on a table |
| because they can blow up when heated to a high | | | | and people generally help themselves as they please. |
| temperature. Sourcing the proper type of rocks for | | | | Good Hangi accompaniments include; Fried Bread or |
| this job is absolutely critical to the successful | | | | Rewena Bread (Traditional Maori bread). If you would |
| outcome of ANY Hangi. Step 2: These stones are | | | | like to cook your own Hangi there is a lot more |
| positioned in the fire and heated for quite a few | | | | detailed information you require with regards to your |
| hours until they are white hot. The timber used can | | | | equipment, preparation and timing. If any one of |
| change the taste of the Hangi for good or bad. | | | | these aspects is off your Hangi could be a complete |
| Natural wood is best and there are few special types | | | | disaster. If you want more information about this |
| which give a lovely smoky taste. On the other hand, | | | | truly unique cooking technique visit for photos, |
| treated timber or chemicals in the timber can make | | | | specific information and video footage. |
| you sick by contaminating your food. Step 3: Dig a | | | | |