What You Need to Know
The technique involves thermal and chemical reactions to cook food, reaching temperatures up to 100°C, and can take several hours to complete. It utilizes a unique combination of heat and steam to achieve the desired outcome. The process is influenced by factors such as the type and quantity of food, as well as the temperature and steam levels in the pit.
Steps
- 1.
Hangi Pork (New Zealand): Creates fall-off-the-bone tenderness with smoky infusion
- 2.
Rewena Paraoa (Hangi Bread) (Maori): Steam-baking produces unique earthy crust
- 3.
Kumara Hangi (Polynesia): Intensifies sweet potato's natural sugars through slow steaming
The Science
Primary Reaction
Starch gelatinization and protein denaturation