Traditional and contemporary Hangi food consists of lamb or mutton, pork (introduced by the Europeans), chicken, and other sought-after seafood items like Paua. “Paua” is translated as “Sea Snail” by the Māori. “Paua” is what we today translate as “Abalone.”
The Maori also included a plentiful amount of vegetables in their cooking, such as cabbage, potato, kumara (sweet potato), fern, carrots, and onions. These vegetables remain the most commonly used foods throughout New Zealand even today. Other important Māori staples are taro, yams, cassava, and tapioca.
The Manuka Wood, an Australian native white flowered plant (also used for other medicinal purposes), is the Māori “go-to” fuel for the Hangi cook. If you don’t have access to Manuka, there are many other wood substitutes. Check-out our “It’s all about wood” blog for more wood info.
Native Māori utilized several Earth Oven Hangi at one time, thus preventing certain foods from being “cross flavored.” Other foods could be mixed in one oven, while some foods needed to be cooked separately, then melded together… on the plate!
Traditionally, after cooking, food was placed in a muslin-lined wire basket. If muslin is not available, clean white cotton bed sheets are commonly used. The cloth is first soaked in water to prevent burning and to provide water for steaming the food. This method is most often used for puddings. The Earth Oven Grill Rack works great in place of a basket, and you may use the Earth Oven Griddle for puddings too!
A great Māori way to eat “Paua,” or “Abaloni,” is to make Earth Oven Hangi-Paua Fritters.
(Serves 4 – 6)
Ingredients
- 6 or 7 fresh Abaloni, cleaned and shelled, cubed, and then minced.
- 1 large Onion minced
- 1/2 carrot finely minced.
Depending on your desired flavor profile, you can lightly sauté the above ingredients, using real hard wood as fuel, to enhance the smoke flavor of the fritters. Add a dollop of butter, and a splash of white wine to insure perfection!
- 1-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1-1/2 cups flour
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup of milk or buttermilk
- Dash of Kahlua or Old Bay seasoning.
Instructions:
Mix thoroughly to a nice, smooth consistency. Apply a modest portion of olive oil to your Earth Oven Griddle. You may also use a “Dutch Oven” inside your Earth Oven Grill, but be sure to keep oil temperatures at low-to-mid-range levels.
Alas, you’re ready to try a wonderful ancient cooking tradition! “Real Pit Paua!”