Even if you don't have an imu, you can still make Hawaiian kalua pig at home from pork butt purchased at your local supermarket.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pound pork butt
- 2½ tablespoons Hawaiian salt (substitute kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 banana leaf (substitute 4-5 whole, unpeeled bananas)
- 4-6 ti leaves (substitute aluminum foil)
Preparation:
Trim any excess fat from the roast. Make several shallow long cuts along the roast or pierce liberally with a fork. (This allows the salt and liquid smoke to penetrate the meat.) Rub with salt and liquid smoke. Wrap the roast with banana leaf or in the absence of same, place whole bananas on top of meat .
Cut the ribs from the ti leaves and wrap over the banana leaf. Substitute aluminum foil, if ti leaves are not available. (Ti leaves can often be obtained from a local florist). Tie securely with twine.
Roast in a 325-350 degree oven for about 45 minutes per pound. When meat is done, remove ti leaves, banana leaf (or bananas) and shred pork.
Recipe courtesy of Mel Tootoo’s Lu'au & Catering
4418 Shipyard Blvd.
Wilmington, NC
