Umu (underground Oven) Roast Chicken

Umu Roast Chicken is a traditional Niuean dish that is cooked in an underground oven, resulting in tender and flavorful meat with a smoky aroma.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Niuean Niuean Cuisine Umu Roast Chicken Traditional Cooking
Umu (underground Oven) Roast Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cleaned and patted dry
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 limes, sliced
  • 4 large banana leaves
  • 12 ti leaves (or aluminum foil)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the umu by heating rocks in a fire until they are very hot.
  2. Rub the chicken with coconut oil, salt, and black pepper, then stuff the cavity with sliced limes.
  3. Wrap the chicken in banana leaves, then wrap again in ti leaves or aluminum foil to create a tight package.
  4. Bury the wrapped chicken in the hot rocks of the umu and cover with more hot rocks and soil.
  5. Allow the chicken to cook in the umu for 2 hours.
  6. Carefully unearth the chicken, unwrap, and serve hot.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Umu (Underground Oven)

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
18g

Supplies

Firewood Rocks Shovel

Tools

Firepit Large leaves or aluminum foil

Serving suggestions

Serve the Umu Roast Chicken with steamed taro and coconut cream.

Tips & tricks

Make sure to handle the hot rocks and umu with caution to avoid burns.

Cost

$15