Mumu

Introduction to Mumu

Mumu is a traditional Papua New Guinean dish cooked using an earth oven, a technique common across various Pacific islands. This dish is renowned for its unique cooking style and rich flavors, making it a cultural staple at gatherings and celebrations. Typically, Mumu consists of assorted meats, vegetables, and root crops, marinated with traditional spices and slow-cooked to perfection.

The origins of the Mumu method date back centuries, and it reflects the resourcefulness and communal lifestyle of the indigenous peoples of Papua New Guinea. The cooking process not only serves the practical purpose of feeding many people but also acts as a social event, bringing communities together to share and celebrate.

Ingredients

• Pork (1 kg, cut into large chunks)
• Chicken (500 g, jointed)
• Sweet Potatoes (2 large, peeled and chopped)
• Taro (2 medium, peeled and chopped)
• Bananas (2 ripe, peeled and halved)
• Coconut Milk (2 cups)
• Spinach (1 bunch, washed and chopped)
• Onions (2 medium, sliced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (1 inch, minced)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Banana Leaves (to wrap the food)
• Hot Stones (for the earth oven)

Preparation

Marinating the Meat

Begin by marinating the pork and chicken pieces. In a large bowl, combine the meats with salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger. Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour to absorb the flavors.

Preparing the Vegetables

Chop sweet potatoes and taro into large chunks. Slice the onions and prepare the bananas. Set these aside while you prepare the cooking space.

Cooking Process

Setting up the Earth Oven

An authentic Mumu is cooked in an earth oven. Dig a pit and layer the bottom with hot stones. These stones should be heated until red-hot as they will provide the heat necessary for cooking the food.

Layering the Ingredients

Once the hot stones are ready, begin layering the food. Start with a base of banana leaves. Place the marinated pork and chicken at the bottom, followed by the layers of sweet potatoes, taro, and onions. Pour coconut milk over the mixture for added moisture and flavor.

Top everything with a layer of spinach, then cover it all with more banana leaves to trap the steam and protect the food from direct contact with the hot stones.

Cooking

Cover the pit with soil to seal in the heat and steam. Allow the Mumu to cook for around 2 to 3 hours. (You can track the time using a cooking timer). The food is done when the aroma becomes rich and the meat is tender.

Serving and Enjoying Mumu

Once cooked, carefully unearth the food and remove the top layer of banana leaves. Pair the cooked pork, chicken, and vegetables with fresh bananas and enjoy in a communal setting. Mumu is best experienced in a group, emphasizing its role in strengthening communal bonds and celebrating cultural heritage.