How To Do a Hangi

Cooking your very own traditional Hangi is a major undertaking!

***Alert*** If you're not at all experienced in Hangi preparation there are lots of important things to consider as well as a lot of technical parts to the process, which if you are just a bit off, will completely spoil your Hangi experience.

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The next few paragraphs contain a short outline of how to do a Hangi. It is by no means a thorough guide, however it'll present you with a good idea of what's required.

Step 1: Source the required tools and equipment. The basic stuff you'll need is some sort of Hangi basket (or perhaps a few), Hangi stones (or alternative), food, fire wood, good sized cloths and / or blankets plus spades for digging.

<< Click here for access to the detailed equipment list >>

Step 2: Pick a good site to cook the Hangi and proceed to dig the Hangi pit. You should be extremely mindful while finding your spot because not all soil will be appropriate for Hangi cooking. Don't forget to take into consideration the measurements of your Hangi basket whilst digging your Hangi pit.

<< Click here to find out exactly where you should have your Hangi >>

Step 3: Setup your open fire arranging the rocks in a suitable place so that they receive the most heat practicable from the flames. You'll need to make sure that you will have a sufficient amount of wood to raise the temperature of your rocks sufficiently to enable them to completely cook the food.

<< Click here to find out how best to build your fire >>

Step 4: Whilst the fire is doing it's thing this is usually the time to fill up your Hangi basket with the food you intend to serve. Not all meals are suitable and don't forget to protect the basket to help protect against burning, yet not excessively that no energy can get through. The size, height and width of your Hangi basket will definitely have a direct impact on the way the Hangi is going to cook, therefore make sure you do everything correctly. It is also very important for you to always make sure that the basket is blanketed and the food is layered throughout your basket in order for the best possible cooking.

<< Click here for lining and packing instructions >>

Step 5: When the rocks have reached their highest possible temperature promptly transfer them all into the Hangi pit. Put the basket over the top and after that layer the wet covers across the baskets. Hastily cover up the Hangi with earth.

<< Click here for cover recommendations and instructions >>

Step 6: Dependent on the size of the meal along with the heat supply chosen, wait 2 to 4 hours for your Hangi to work it's magic. Constantly check to make sure of no leaks or vents. Settle-back, chill out and enjoy a beer while appreciating all of the hard work. Above all pray like hell that you have carried it all out the right way!

<< Click here for covering instructions and timing recommendations >>

Step 7: Once enough time has passed uncover your Hangi carefully. Move it to the bench and then serve it out. Quite often the Hangi food is set out for people to help themselves, but this is your choice obviously. Individually packed fundraising Hangi packs or commercial operations will likely have a slightly varied approach. Good luck and enjoy!

To ensure success make sure you get a copy of the

Official NZ Hangi Guide