Precisely what is a Hangi? In it's most basic form a Hangi is the subterranean approach of cooking food used by the indigenous people in New Zealand. The method originated from the early Maori settlers and it is still utilized in these modern times simply because of the special taste it gives to the food. The way a Hangi is prepared is genuinely unique. To create and make a Hangi is a laborious process taking several hours and is more often than not extended over 2 to 3 days. People that have sampled Hangi food would certainly testify to the total uniqueness of the flavor it gives to the food. Hangi food is cooked underground. Indeed, you did read that properly. The food IS buried in your garden where it steams away for many hours until finally ready. If you ever come by 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 following couple of paragraphs summarize the fundamental Hangi course of action from start to finish. It will provide you with a better idea of what is really involved as well as how much work goes into preparing and making a Hangi. Step one is to locate several distinctive volcanic stones to use as a form of energy that will steam the food. River boulders, sand stones and also various other sedimentary kinds of rocks will not get the job done due to the fact they won't heat to a high heat and if you attempt to heat them they might explode, leading to serious harm to anyone nearby. It goes without saying that this is one of the most important aspects of the Hangi as without a consistently good energy source underneath your food, it is not likely to be a success. When you've successfully found these rocks, you will need to heat them to a extremely high temperature in an open fire. The timber used can change the flavor of the Hangi for better or bad. In New Zealand there are a couple of exceptional types of timber which are best for this job since they give a distinctive smoky flavor. On the other hand, treated wood or coloring in the timber can easily make you sick as well as poison your hangi. Your Hangi pit should be dug before lighting the fire or possibly while it is burning. Have as many people around for this part as possible. The Hangi basket may be loaded anytime before the fire is complete with meat, veges and from time to time even shellfish and pudding. Hangi baskets are generally constructed with wire or steel. The bottom of the basket is normally lined and the food must be stacked in a certain manner for the best possible cooking. When the open fire has completed it's task the stones need to be transfered into the hole. This particular job will involve speed and skill. It takes place near a scorching fire and is the most important stage. The filled basket ought to be positioned upon the hot rocks the moment the exchange has taken place. After the basket is in place it should immediately be enveloped with multiple layers of wet cloth. The actual sort of fabric used and the amount of cloth used here is very important, as is also the depth and positioning of these covers over the basket and stones. As soon as the basket has been layered it's time to pick up those spades yet again and bury the entire thing completely until it's sealed snugly underground. Finally, wait about for a few hours and dig up the Hangi and 'Hey Presto', you have just cooked your very own Hangi! Hangi food is generally offered as a communal smorgasboard. The meal is laid out on a dining room table and folks usually help themselves as they see fit. Very good Hangi accompaniments include fried bread or rewena bread. This outline is not designed to be a comprehensive guide by any means. In order to prepare your own Hangi there is a great deal more specific material you need to have with regards to your related equipment, planning and timing. If any one of these areas is incorrect the Hangi could very well turn out to be a complete disaster. For you to avoid having to order KFC it would be wise to seek out more detailed material if you happen to be unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the operation. ********************************************************************** With regard to the article writer: Neville Pettersson is the creator of the Official NZ Hangi Guide.This specific guidebook is the only resource which thoroughly sets out the entire Hangi technique from start to finish including all of the hints, strategies in addition to background information required to make sure you prepare a succesful Hangi. The package includes the full written manual, photos, specific information in addition to video footage.
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