Luau Pig - Imu

Title:
Luau Pig - Imu

Yield:
1 Servings

Categories:
Family,
Luau,
Pork,
Hawaiian




Ingredients:





          ***  NON   NE *****






 Here's how we cook a pig for a luau!


 


 We cook whole pigs, together with sweet potatoes and other goodies for our


 luau (feast). The pit is dug deep and wide and is filled with hot rocks.


 It's called an imu (e moo).


 


 Traditionally the killing of the pig, as well as the preparation and


 tending of the imu, is men's work. Hardwood logs are used for the fire and


 several dozen imu stones are placed on the fire and heated until red hot.


 (Imu stones are specially picked smooth, porous rocks that are no more than


 3 to 4 inches in diameter and are handed down from generation to


 generation.)


 


 When the fire has burned down and the rocks are red hot, the pig is brought


 to the fire on a large piece of chicken wire and the cavities (between the


 legs, the body, the throat, etc.) are filled with the rocks. The legs are


 tied together and the wire is wrapped over the pig. The embers are raked


 and the remaining rocks spread out. The pit is lined with banana leaves (or


 sometimes corn husks), several inches thick. The pig is lowered into the


 imu - feet up and a crate full of sweet potatoes, bananas, fish, etc. (all


 wrapped in ti leaves) is added to the imu. Cover this with several more


 layers of banana leaves so that it forms a steam-proof covering. Dip burlap


 bags in water and tuck the soaking burlap securely all around the pig


 potatoes, etc. Shovel earth on the mound until no steam escapes. If a leak


 is found, add more earth. Dampen slightly and leave for a minimum of four


 hours (or up to 10-12 hours) or until the party is ready for the kaukau


 (food).


 


 Before the pig is placed in the imu (while the imu is being prepared) the


 pig is rubbed inside and out with Hawaiian salt (rock salt) and about a


 pint of soy sauce. Sometimes the salt is mixed with about a half of a


 bottle of bourbon (my family's preference). True Hawaiian etiquette is to


 eat luau food without utensils, just fingers; however, most luaus have


 plenty of knives, forks, spoons and chop sticks! 


 


 No luau is complete without the playing of Hawaiian music and the dancing


 of the hula.


 


 Recipe by: Mary Spero


 


 Posted to TNT Recipes Digest, Vol 01, Nr 943 by MarySpero@prodigy.com (MS


 MARY E SPERO) on Jan 16, 1998