How is a Hawaiian imu made?
The imu was essentially an underground steam cooker. Due to the amount of time and labor to prepare the imu, most earth oven cooking was done for group meals, festivities, or religious ceremonies. To build an imu, a lua or round pit, about 2 feet to 4 feet deep with sloping sides, is dug into the earth.
What is Hawaiian kalua pig?
The term “kālua pork” has been used by Hawaiian cook Sam Choy to describe pork shoulder butt which is rubbed with sea salt, wrapped in ti leaves, and slowly cooked in an oven using liquid mesquite smoke rather than an imu.
How do you imu a pig?
Directions
- Dig a hole in the ground about 8-feet by 8-feet by 4-feet deep. Arrange wood in a pyramid fashion then placing round river stones on top of wood.
- Place pig on its back and place a few hot stones in cavity.
- Arrange remaining stones over wood so it becomes level.
- Uncover imu and shred pig.
How do you make an imu at home?
To build your own imu, dig a round pit two to four feet deep and just large enough in diameter to fit the food, rocks and vegetation. Place the excess dirt next to the pit, as you will use it to cover the oven at the end.
What do I put in an imu?
What You Need
- A large hole in the ground about 2 to 3 feet deep and at least 4 feet wide.
- A big pile of “puka” rocks.
- Lots of Kiawe (mesquite) wood, at least a couple of big wheelbarrows.
- 3 or more banana trees and as many banana leaves as you can get.
- As many ti leaves as you can get (they add flavor)
What does kalua pig taste like?
Kalua pig is permeated with smokiness, but what makes it really unique is the earthy flavor it takes on from the soil & banana/ti leaves. As a mainlander, it’s nearly impossible to make truly authentic kalua pig yourself. (That is, unless you’re willing to fly to Hawaii, build an imu, & smoke a whole hog.
What is kalua pork made of?
Kalua Pig is popular Hawaiian dish served at luaus where a whole pig is smoked in a sand pit with sea salt, banana leaves and koa wood. This simple crock pot method mimics the smoked flavor of using natural liquid smoke and the results are an easy, mouth-watering, juicy pork recipe anyone can make at home.
How long does a pig cook in a IMU?
about 6 to 8 hours
Total cooking time should be about 6 to 8 hours and sometimes as longs as 10, depending on the size of the pig. Once enough time has passed, layer by layer, you’ll take apart your oven ti get the meat. The pork should shred easily.
What do I put in an IMU?
How long does an IMU take to cook?
Place the rocks on top and then light the kindling, as the fire builds, the wood will turn to charcoal and the stones will heat; this takes approximately one and a half to two hours.
How long does it take to cook a pig in an IMU?
What is the pit called in Hawaii?
imu
Known locally as an imu, this method of cooking is most often used to cook kalua pig and other delicacies for the luau feast. Simply put, an imu is an oven created by digging a hole into the ground.
What is kalua pig served with?
Traditionally, it is served with cooked cabbage and rice. You can serve Slow Cooker Kalua Pork on a slider bun along with cabbage, teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple. We also love to serve it on sandwiches, salads, over rice or even on pizza.
What is traditionally served with kalua pork?
Kalua Pork is traditionally served with cooked cabbage (recipe below) and rice so I fill the containers with rice, pork, and cabbage and then put in a side of pineapple and call it good.
What do you eat with Kalua Pigs?
What does kalua pork taste like?
How do you prepare an IMU?
Building an Imu In preparation, a 2-to 4-foot deep hole, with sloping sides, is dug. The size of the oven depends on how much food is being prepared. Cooking with an imu is completely natural. Kindling is used to start the fire and rocks are traditionally used as a base for the food to sit on.