Samoan Umu Chicken
A traditional Samoan dish where chicken is slow-cooked in an umu (earth oven) with coconut cream and wrapped in banana leaves, imparting a smoky, tender, and flavorful result. This method is a cornerstone of Samoan culinary tradition.
๐ง Ingredients
- 1 medium Whole chicken(cut into serving pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut cream
- 1 large bunch Banana leaves(wilted or softened over heat)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 bunch Taro leaves(optional, for wrapping)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Prepare the umu: Light a fire with firewood, coconut husks, and shells. Once reduced to coals, carefully place volcanic rocks on top and let them heat for 30-40 minutes until glowing red. Remove excess firewood and coals, leaving the hot rocks.
- 2
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. If using taro leaves, wash and pat them dry.
๐ก Tip: Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated with seasoning. - 3
Wrap the chicken: Lay out softened banana leaves. If using taro leaves, place them on the banana leaves. Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the taro leaves (or directly on banana leaves if not using taro leaves). Pour coconut cream over the chicken.
- 4
Seal the parcels: Fold the banana leaves securely to create individual parcels for the chicken, ensuring no liquid can escape. If using taro leaves, they will be enclosed within the banana leaf parcel.
๐ก Tip: Tie parcels with natural fibers or strips of banana leaf if needed. - 5
Load the umu: Carefully place the banana leaf parcels containing the chicken onto the hot rocks in the umu. You may need to arrange some rocks to create a stable base.
๐ก Tip: Work quickly to avoid losing too much heat. - 6
Cover and cook: Cover the chicken parcels with more banana leaves or mats to seal in the heat and steam. Cover the entire umu with a large mat or corrugated iron to trap the heat.
- 7
Unearth and serve: Carefully remove the covering and banana leaf parcels. The chicken should be incredibly tender and infused with smoky flavor. Serve hot.
๐ก Tip: Allow parcels to rest for a few minutes before opening.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โThe quality of the volcanic rocks used in the umu significantly impacts the cooking.
- โSoften banana leaves by briefly passing them over a flame or hot surface to make them pliable and prevent tearing.
- โTraditionally, the umu preparation is a communal activity.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add root vegetables like taro or breadfruit to the parcels to cook alongside the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before wrapping for an extra layer of flavor.