How To Host An Imu Slideshow

Ed Kenney uses volcanic rocks, but anything porous will do. Porous is key; exploding rocks are no fun. Arrange them in a roughly 2-foot-deep pit. Build a fire using eucalyptus or mesquite to heat the rocks and let it die out.

Cover the rocks completely with banana leaves, followed by soaked burlap sacks. A typical size imu will require about 40 banana leaves from ten 6-foot banana stumps.

Carefully transport the box of ingredients to the pit — definitely a two-person job.

Cover completely with banana leaves, followed by more burlap sacks.

Then cover completely with a tarp to create some steam inside the box.

Secure the tarp in place by covering all of the edges with dirt.

About four to six hours later, uncover the tarp, remove the sacks and banana leaves, and check to see if the food is done. Carefully move the box to a serving table and re-season. Serve while hot.