New Zealand Boil Up (Kai Rxh)
A hearty and traditional Māori dish, Boil Up is a nourishing one-pot meal featuring tender meat (often pork), root vegetables like kūmara and potato, and greens, traditionally served with doughboys (dumplings).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork bones or pork belly(cut into chunks)
- 1 Bacon hock or bacon bones(optional, for added flavor)
- 2.5 litres Water(or enough to cover ingredients)
- 4 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 large Kūmara (sweet potato)(peeled and cubed)
- 1/2 Pumpkin(peeled and cubed)
- 1/2 head Cabbage(cut into wedges)
- 1 large bunch Watercress or spinach(tough stems removed)
- to taste Salt
- Doughboys (dumplings):
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Water or milk(approximately, to form dough)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place pork bones/belly and bacon hock (if using) in a large pot. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours - 2
While the meat is simmering, prepare the doughboys: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water or milk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix. Shape into small balls.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Add the cubed potatoes, kūmara, and pumpkin to the pot with the meat. Continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are almost tender.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 4
Add the cabbage and the prepared doughboys to the pot. Ensure they are submerged. Cover and simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the doughboys are puffed up and cooked through.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 5
Stir in the watercress or spinach and cook for just a minute or two until wilted.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 6
Season the broth with salt to taste. Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has meat, vegetables, and doughboys.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using pork bones adds a rich flavor to the broth.
- ✓You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or carrots.
- ✓Ensure the doughboys are cooked through; they should float and be fluffy.
- ✓Some prefer to add greens like silverbeet or puha (sow thistle).
🔄 Variations
- Use different cuts of pork or even lamb.
- For a quicker version, use pre-cooked ham hocks.
- Serve with Rewena Paraoa (Maori bread) instead of doughboys.