Mumu in a Drum

Mumu in a Drum Recipe | A Delicious Papua New Guinean Dish

Region / culture: Papua New Guinea | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2-3 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Mumu in a Drum is a traditional Papua New Guinean dish that is cooked in a large drum over an open fire. This unique cooking method infuses the food with a smoky flavor and creates a communal dining experience.

History

Mumu in a Drum has been a staple dish in Papua New Guinea for centuries. It is often prepared for special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. The dish is a symbol of unity and togetherness, as it is traditionally eaten by hand with family and friends gathered around the drum.

Ingredients

5 gallon drum, empty and clean
smooth stones, enough to cover the bottom of the drum
large banana or other leaves
1 or 2 chickens
piece of pork
starchy vegetables (potato, cassava, sweet potato, etc)
greens
2 or more coconuts, for cream

How to prepare

Wash and peel the vegetables, then coarsely chop or break them into serving size pieces.
Wash and clean the greens. If they are very large, coarsely chop them.
Chop the chicken and pork into large pieces.
Grate the coconut.
Clean the drum.
If the drum has never been used for cooking before, burn off any possible residue.
Cover the bottom of the drum with rocks.
Place the banana leaves on top of the rocks.
Add the root vegetables, placing the ones with the longest cooking time at the bottom.
Add the pork pieces, followed by the chicken pieces.
Place the greens on top of the meat or vegetables.
Squeeze coconut cream over the food.
The more coconut cream you use, the richer your food will be.
Cover all the food in the drum with banana leaves, tucking the ends between the food and the side of the drum.
Place the drum on a grate over an open fire and cook for two or three hours.
Take the food out of the drum and serve it on clean banana leaves. Separate the meat from the vegetables.
Eat with your hands.

Variations

Try using different types of meat such as fish or beef.
Add spices and herbs for extra flavor, such as ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
Experiment with different vegetables and greens to create unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to clean the drum thoroughly before cooking to remove any residue.

- Layer the ingredients in the drum starting with the root vegetables, followed by the meat and greens.

- Use plenty of coconut cream to add richness to the dish.

- Cook the Mumu over a low, steady fire for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mumu in a Drum with fresh fruit, coconut water, or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking Mumu in a Drum requires slow, steady heat to ensure that the ingredients are cooked through and infused with smoky flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find banana leaves, you can use aluminum foil or parchment paper as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Mumu in advance and assemble them in the drum just before cooking. This is a great way to save time on the day of your gathering.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mumu in a Drum on a large platter lined with fresh banana leaves for an authentic and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mumu in a Drum pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing tropical fruit juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mumu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of Mumu can vary depending on the ingredients used, but it is generally a hearty and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

The starchy root vegetables in Mumu provide a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy.

Fats

Coconut cream is high in healthy fats, which provide a rich and creamy texture to the dish.

Proteins

The chicken and pork in Mumu are excellent sources of protein, which are important for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables and greens in Mumu provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Mumu may contain allergens such as coconut and meat. Be sure to check for any dietary restrictions before serving.

Summary

Mumu is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Mumu in a Drum is a delicious and communal dish that brings people together to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal cooked over an open fire. Try this traditional Papua New Guinean recipe for your next special occasion or family gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother when I stumbled upon a recipe for Mumu in a Drum. The name alone intrigued me, and as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the delicious flavors in my mind.

Growing up, my mother was not much of a cook, so I had to rely on other sources for my culinary education. I learned how to cook from watching my grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen. She had a knack for creating mouthwatering dishes from simple ingredients, and I always admired her skill and creativity.

When I asked my grandmother about the Mumu in a Drum recipe, she smiled and told me that it was a traditional dish from Papua New Guinea, where she had spent some time many years ago. She explained that Mumu in a Drum was a popular dish cooked in an underground oven, using hot stones to create a slow, smoky heat that infused the ingredients with a unique flavor.

Intrigued by the idea of cooking in an underground oven, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make Mumu in a Drum. She agreed, and we set out to gather the ingredients we would need for the dish. We bought a whole chicken, sweet potatoes, taro root, banana leaves, and coconut milk from the local market, and my grandmother showed me how to prepare each ingredient with care and attention to detail.

The first step in making Mumu in a Drum was to build the underground oven. My grandmother dug a shallow pit in the backyard and lined it with large stones. She started a fire and let it burn until the stones were hot enough to cook the food. While we waited for the stones to heat up, we prepared the chicken and vegetables for cooking.

My grandmother showed me how to season the chicken with a blend of spices and herbs, and then wrap it in banana leaves to keep it moist and tender. We chopped the sweet potatoes and taro root into chunks, and mixed them with coconut milk and more seasonings to create a fragrant and flavorful mixture.

Once the stones were hot enough, my grandmother carefully placed the chicken and vegetables in a metal drum, which she then covered with banana leaves and sealed with a tight-fitting lid. She placed the drum in the pit, on top of the hot stones, and covered it with dirt to create a makeshift oven.

As the Mumu in a Drum cooked, my grandmother and I sat by the fire, chatting and laughing as we enjoyed the warmth of the flames and the anticipation of a delicious meal. The earthy, smoky aroma of the cooking food wafted through the air, making our mouths water with hunger.

After a few hours, my grandmother declared that the Mumu in a Drum was ready. We carefully unearthed the drum from the pit, and when we removed the lid, a cloud of steam and rich, savory scents rose into the air. The chicken was tender and juicy, the vegetables were soft and flavorful, and the coconut milk had infused everything with a creamy sweetness that was simply divine.

We served the Mumu in a Drum on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice. The flavors were complex and harmonious, blending the earthiness of the root vegetables with the richness of the coconut milk and the smokiness of the cooking method. It was a meal unlike any I had ever tasted before, and I knew that Mumu in a Drum would become a beloved recipe in my own cooking repertoire.

As I savored each bite of the delicious dish, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my grandmother and the knowledge she had passed down to me. Cooking Mumu in a Drum had been a journey of discovery and connection, a way to honor the traditions and flavors of a distant land while creating new memories and experiences with my loved ones.

And so, Mumu in a Drum became a cherished recipe in my collection, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds of love and friendship. It was a dish that spoke to the heart and soul, a taste of tradition and a celebration of the joys of cooking and sharing good food with those we hold dear. And every time I make Mumu in a Drum, I am transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, where the aroma of spices and coconut milk filled the air, and the warmth of the fire lit up our faces with smiles of pure joy and contentment.