What is a Hangi? A Hangi is a traditional New Zealand way of cooking food underground. The technique originated from early Maori settlers and is still practiced today because of the unique taste it gives to the food.
This article briefly explains exactly how a Hangi is prepared in the traditional way. There is absolutely NO taste similar to a Hangi anywhere in the World. If you visit New Zealand it is an absolute MUST DO. A Hangi is put down in the following way:
Step 1: Special volcanic stones are gathered as a source of heat to steam the food.
Step 2: These rocks are placed in a fire and heated for many hours until they are white hot.
Step 3: Dig a Hangi Pit. It gets buried underground.
Step 4: Stack your Hangi basket with a combination of raw, but thouroughly defrosted, meat and vegetables. Hangi baskets are usually built of wire or steel.
Step 5: Transfer the hot rocks into the hole. Quickly put the basket on top of the hot stones.
Step 6: Drape the basket with damp sacking cloth.
Step 7: Use shovels to cover the Hangi again with soil until there is no steam escaping.
Step 8: Wait 2-3 hours and uncover the Hangi and ‘Hey Presto’, you’ve just made your very own Hangi!
Hangi food is typically presented as a self service buffet. The food is laid out on a table and people usually help themselves as they please. If you want more information about this truly unique cooking technique visit our website for photos, specific information and video footage.
About the Author
Neville Rangi-Tane Pettersson has produced the only definitive guide on exactly how to make your own http://www.howtohangi.co.nz/. For more information about making your own Hangi Visit the website here Hangi