Underground Oven Cooked Feast (fijian Lovo)

Experience the traditional Fijian method of cooking with this Underground Oven Cooked Feast, also known as Lovo. This cooking technique involves wrapping food in banana leaves and cooking it in an underground oven, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful dishes.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main course Oceanic Fijian Cuisine Traditional Cooking Underground Oven Lovo
Underground Oven Cooked Feast (fijian Lovo)

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 lbs taro root, peeled and cubed
  • 2 lbs cassava, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 bunch of bananas, unpeeled
  • 6-8 banana leaves
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the underground oven by digging a pit and lining it with stones.
  2. Build a fire in the pit and let it burn until the stones are hot.
  3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  4. Wrap the seasoned chicken, taro, cassava, sweet potatoes, and bananas in banana leaves.
  5. Place the wrapped food on the hot stones in the pit.
  6. Cover the food with more banana leaves and a layer of dirt to seal in the heat.
  7. Let the food cook in the underground oven for 2-3 hours.
  8. Carefully uncover the food, remove the banana leaves, and serve with coconut milk for dipping.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
3 hours
Total time:
3 hours
Cooking method
Underground oven (Lovo)

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Shovel Stones Firewood

Tools

Knife Aluminum foil (optional for wrapping)

Serving suggestions

Serve the Underground Oven Cooked Feast with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad.

Tips & tricks

Make sure to check the food periodically to ensure it is cooking evenly in the underground oven.

Cost

$20