How to make a Hangi

In writing we have been looking at writing explanations. I found it interesting that a hangi is cooked differently to the way we cook umu in my culture. My explanation on how a hangi is made is below.

How to make a Hangi

A hangi is a special kind of traditional way of maori cooking using a pit which has been dug in the ground. Men work together to lay down the hangi.There a several steps to preparing and cooking a hangi.

Firstly the pits needs to be dug in the ground.Then volcanic rocks and irons are lit and the fire needs to burn for about 2 hours.While the fire burns a Karakia is said to pray for the environment and protect the native trees, bless the food and pray that it is cooked nicely.

Once the fire has been burning for about 2 hours they break it down and dig out the ashes to remove some embers. This helps stop the food from getting too smokey and acrid (better tasting).

Food gets wrapped in cabbage leaves.This keeps the food from drying out and keeps the dirt from going in the hangi after the wrapped food is put in basket. Meat like chicken goes in first and then veggies are put on the top.

Cabbage leaves and sacks soaked in water then put on the hot irons. The baskets are carried over to the pit and then covered with wet sacks to keep dirt out. Finally it is all covered with canvas. They let it cook for about 3 and a half hours before they remove the sacks and the baskets of food.

Hangi food is still cooked on special occasions the same way it has been done for many years.