How to Samoan Umu Cooking

What You Need to Know

Samoan umu cooking involves heating rocks in a pit lined with banana leaves, then wrapping food in leaves and steaming it, resulting in starch gelatinization and protein denaturation due to the heat and moisture.

Steps

1. 1.

   Palusami (Samoa): Coconut cream and taro leaves become infused and tenderized through slow steaming

2. 2.

   Lu'au (Hawaii (adapted from Samoan umu)): Creates the characteristic smoky-taro flavor in the pork and leaf bundle

3. 3.

   Oka I'a (Samoa): Raw fish is partially cooked by residual heat from stones, changing texture

The Science

Primary Reaction

Starch gelatinization and protein denaturation

Common Mistakes