Mumu, a traditional Papua New Guinean cooking method, involves creating a delicious feast cooked beneath the earth. A pit is dug in the ground, lined with hot stones, and filled with various ingredients, typically root vegetables like taro, sweet potatoes, yams, greens, and meat like pork, chicken, or fish. The food is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked to perfection in the earth oven. This unique cooking technique is not only a culinary experience but also a cultural tradition deeply rooted in the country.
| Country | Papua New Guinea |
| Degree of Difficulty | Medium |
| Type of Food | Main Course |
| Cooking Time | 2-3 hours |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 3-3.5 hours |
| Serving Size | 6-8 people |
Ingredients:
- 2 kg of root vegetables (taro, sweet potatoes, yams)
- 1 kg of greens (kaukau leaves or spinach)
- 2 kg of pork, chicken, or fish (cubed)
- Banana leaves for wrapping
- Hot stones (rocks)
- Firewood or charcoal
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pit:
- Dig a pit in the ground, approximately 1.5 to 2 feet deep.
- Build a fire in the pit using firewood or charcoal, and place the hot stones on top. Let the stones heat for about 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the stones are heating, wash and peel the root vegetables, and chop them into manageable pieces.
- Clean the greens.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper.
- Wrap in Banana Leaves:
- Lay out a banana leaf and place a layer of vegetables, greens, and meat in the center.
- Wrap the banana leaf around the ingredients to create a parcel. You can use twine to secure it.
- Cook in the Mumu:
- Place the wrapped parcels of food on top of the hot stones in the pit.
- Add more banana leaves on top.
- Cover everything with soil to seal in the heat and steam.
- Wait Patiently:
- Allow the food to cook for 1-1.5 hours. The hot stones and steam from the soil will cook everything to perfection.
- Unearth the Feast:
- Carefully remove the soil, banana leaves, and cooked food from the pit.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Unwrap the parcels, and serve this delicious, earthy feast to your guests.
Nutritional Information:
- Mumu is a wholesome meal rich in carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. The specific nutritional information will vary greatly depending on the chosen root vegetables, type of meat/fish and type of greens.
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- You can experiment with different meats, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your taste.
Tips or Variations:
- It’s essential to ensure the stones are thoroughly heated to cook the food properly.
- While banana leaves are traditional, you can use foil as a modern alternative.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Mumu is a traditional cooking method primarily associated with Papua New Guinea.
Allergen Checklist:
- This dish is prepared using various ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and seasonings, making it suitable for omnivores.
- Vegetarians can adapt this recipe by using plant-based ingredients.
