Hangi

There is hardly any other cooking technique anywhere in the world quite like a Hangi. A Hangi is the customary Maori way of steaming food in the ground. The approach came from the early Maori settlers and it is still used in today's times simply because of the unique flavour it gives to the food. The methods used and the work necessary in putting down a Hangi are still very structured on traditional techniques. The entire process may easily nearly take a whole day to complete.





Most people that have tasted Hangi food will testify to the complete uniqueness of the flavor it gives to the food. Being a subterranean operation, the meal is cooked completely underground. Absolutely yes, you did read that properly. The food IS buried in your garden where it slowly cooks through for many hours until ready.



If you ever visit New Zealand, having a Hangi is an absolute MUST DO. If you travel to New Zealand without experiencing a Hangi meal, you can't honestly say that you've been here.



The next few paragraphs outline the main Hangi course of action from beginning to end.



It will provide you with a better understanding regarding what is actually involved along with exactly how much energy goes into organizing and cooking a Hangi.





The first task is to locate a number of specific volcanic rocks to be used as a form of energy that will steam the food. Standard stones will not usually show good results due to the fact they will shatter and split during the heating treatment. It goes without saying that this is one of the most vital aspects of the Hangi as without having a continually high heat supply below your meal, it is unlikely to be a a favorable outcome.



The second step is when the rocks are placed in a open fire and heated for a good number of hours until such time as they are white hot. The timber used will change the taste of the Hangi for good or worse. In New Zealand there are one or two exceptional types of wood which are ideal for this task because they supply a unique smoky flavor. On the other hand, treated timber or agents in the wood can make you ill as well as poison your hangi.



The Hangi pit preferably should be dug before lighting the fire or when it is burning. Get as many people around for this part as possible.



Your Hangi basket could be packed anytime before the fire is finished with meats, veges and occasionally even shellfish along with dessert. The engineering of your Hangi basket is not as significant as the measurements and shape of the basket when it comes to cooking it right through. An additional crucial factor to become aware of is the way the basket is loaded. The space, depth and sequence of the stacking has a strong impact on the result of the cooked meal.



The next step is to transfer the sizzling rocks into the hole. It is incredibly essential that this phase is performed as quickly as possible because the longer the rocks are out of the flames, the more heat they'll lose. It takes place around a hot fire and is the most crucial step. Once this exchange has happened promptly place the basket above of the sizzling hot stones.



After the basket is in place it should swiftly be covered with a number of layers of damp material.

The kind of cloth utilized and the quantity of material used here is very important, as is also the depth and positioning of these coverings around the basket and stones.



When the basket has been covered it is time to grab hold of those spades once again and bury the whole thing completely until it's sealed snugly underground.



Now that all of the hard work is finished it's time to sit back and wait, have a beer or two and after a couple of hours dig it up and with any luck , if you've done the whole thing properly it should be cooked.





Hangi food is traditionally dished up as a public buffet. The food is spread out on a meal table and people just help themselves as they please. Excellent Hangi extras include fried bread or rewena bread.



This explanation is not intended to be a complete guide by any means. In order to prepare your own Hangi there is certainly much more specific information and facts you need to have in relation to your equipment, preparation and timing. If any one of these areas is off the Hangi could quite possibly be a total disaster. To make sure you avoid having to buy fish and chips it would definitely be wise to look for more comprehensive information if you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the activity.





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About the article author: Neville Pettersson is the creator of the Official NZ Hangi Guidebook.This specific guide is the only resource that thoroughly sets out the complete Hangi technique from beginning to end incorporating all of the tricks, techniques and foundation information and facts recommended to make sure you make a succesful Hangi. The package includes the complete written manual, photographs, specific information as well as video clip footage.