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Pacific Movies 💗 How to Bake whole Chicken and Vegetables in the Earth Oven 💗💗 Fijian Technology

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Video-Specific Recipe

Whole Chicken and Vegetables in Earth Oven

Cultural Context

Originating from Fiji, the tradition of cooking in an earth oven, or umu, is deeply rooted in the culture and often used for communal feasts and celebrations. This method utilizes natural heat from stones and is a way to bring people together, showcasing the importance of community and shared meals. Today, this technique has gained popularity beyond Fiji, inspiring similar cooking methods in various cultures around the world.

FijianFJmain
180 min
medium
6 servings
Servings4
1 whole chicken
4 cups root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, etc.)
1 cup coconut milk
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon ginger
1 medium onion
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
8 banana leaves
1 lime
1/2 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, etc.)
2 chili peppers
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup water

Quantities are estimated based on standard recipes for your convenience. The actual ingredients used in this video are accurate.

whole chicken

🥗Healthier: cornish hen

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Cornish hen offers a leaner option while thighs are more affordable.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while evaporated milk is often less expensive.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: herb blend

Dried herbs provide flavor with a longer shelf life and lower cost.

chili peppers

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: jalapeños

Bell peppers are milder and easier to find, while jalapeños add heat at a lower price.

1

Prepare the earth oven by digging a pit and heating stones until they are hot.

2

Clean the whole chicken and season it with salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger.

3

Place the seasoned chicken in the center of a large piece of banana leaves.

4

Surround the chicken with chopped root vegetables and fresh herbs.

5

Drizzle coconut milk over the chicken and vegetables for added flavor.

6

Wrap the banana leaves tightly around the chicken and vegetables to seal in moisture.

7

Place the wrapped chicken and vegetables in the heated pit on top of hot stones.

8

Cover the pit with more banana leaves and then with soil to trap heat.

9

Cook for about 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

10

Uncover the earth oven and carefully remove the wrapped chicken and vegetables.

11

Let rest for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Cooking Techniques

roastingsteaming

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Also Known As

Umu ChickenFijian Earth Oven Chicken

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