Traditional Earth Oven ('umu)
The Traditional Earth Oven ('Umu) is a classic cooking method in Tongan cuisine, where food is slow-cooked in an underground oven. This method imparts a unique smoky flavor to the food, making it a special and traditional way of cooking in Tonga.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs taro leaves, cleaned and trimmed
- 3 lbs pork, cubed
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 lbs yams, peeled and sliced
- 2 lbs bananas, unpeeled
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 lbs coconut cream
- Banana leaves for wrapping
- Sea salt
- Water
Instructions
- Line the earth oven with hot stones and banana leaves.
- Layer the taro leaves, pork, chicken, yams, bananas, and sweet potatoes in the oven.
- Pour coconut cream over the layers and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cover the layers with more banana leaves and wet cloth.
- Seal the oven with dirt and let the food cook for 4 hours.
- Uncover the oven, remove the food, and serve hot.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 4 hours
- Total time:
- 4 hours
- Cooking method
- Earth Oven ('Umu)
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 300 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Protein
- 25g
- Fat
- 12g
Supplies
Hot stones Banana leaves Wet cloth Dirt for sealing
Tools
Shovel Large containers for mixing
Serving suggestions
Serve the 'Umu with fresh tropical fruit salad and coconut water for an authentic Tongan feast.
Tips & tricks
Make sure the oven is properly sealed to trap the heat and smoke for even cooking and flavor infusion.
Cost
$30