Hāngī

Have you ever had a big family dinner where everyone helps cook, and the food all cooks together in one big pot? This is sort of like a hāngī!

A hāngī is a type of traditional Māori way of cooking food. It involves digging a big hole in the ground and heating up rocks in a fire until they get very hot. Then, the rocks are carefully placed in the bottom of the hole, and food like meat, potatoes, and kumara (a type of sweet potato) are put on top of the rocks.

Next, a big covering like a cloth or leaves are placed over the hole to trap the heat and help cook the food. Then, dirt is piled on top of everything to keep the steam from escaping. After a few hours, the food is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy!

One of the best things about a hāngī is that it brings everyone together to work as a team and share in the delicious meal. It is also a way to connect with and honor Māori traditions and culture.