The word "hangi" is a Maori term for a traditional New Zealand feast, in which food is cooked in an underground oven. The spelling is not intuitive for speakers of English, as it contains the digraph "ng" which is not common in English. The pronunciation of "hangi" is /ˈhaŋi/, with the "ng" sound being a nasal velar consonant, representing the phoneme /ŋ/. This sound is made by cutting off the air at the vocal cords and forcing it out through the nose.
Hangi is a traditional cooking method and a type of dish that originated from the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. The term "hangi" refers to both the method itself and the resulting meal. It involves cooking food in an earth oven, also known as a hangi pit.
To prepare a hangi, a hole is dug in the ground, typically in an open area. Large stones are heated in a fire until they are extremely hot. Then, the stones are carefully placed at the bottom of the pit. A variety of food, such as meat (often lamb or pork), root vegetables, and kumara (a type of sweet potato), are wrapped in leaves or foil and placed on top of the hot stones. The pit is then covered with earth and left to cook for several hours.
The hangi cooking method utilizes the natural steam and heat produced by the hot stones and earth, resulting in a slow and gentle cooking process. This technique imparts a unique and delicious smoky flavor to the food, creating a distinctive taste experience.
Typically, hangi is a communal meal and is associated with special occasions, gatherings, and celebrations. It is deeply rooted in Māori culture and is considered a significant part of their culinary heritage. Today, hangi is enjoyed not only by the Māori people but also by the wider New Zealand population and visitors, as it offers a rich and flavorful taste of the indigenous cuisine.
The word "hangi" has its origins in the Māori language, which is the indigenous language of New Zealand. In Māori, "hangi" refers to a traditional method of cooking food in an earth oven. The term "hangi" is derived from the Māori verb "hanga", which means "to make" or "to build". In the context of cooking, it implies the process of creating an earth oven and preparing food using this traditional method.