How Do You Cook A Pig In The Ground?

PeachCoDawg

@FirePlugDawg said:

@PeachCoDawg said:

@moos said:
Most traditional and probably well known is the Hawaiian method where you wrap the pig in banana leaves.

Basics are:
Dig a hole (keep the dirt)
Line it with rocks
Build a wood fire
Burn it down to coals
Place preseason pig wrapped in banana leaves with stuffed cavity (citrus, etc) on coals
Cover with dirt
Crack beer and come back in 8-12 hours for delicious, tasty meat

Having done it this way and others, there's No real advantage, imo. Just a different way to do it. Find the way you like, get good at it. Experiment with other ways (or don't.)

That's the way to do it. Actually in Hawaii, they slather the hog with mayonnaise (don't ask me), but when it comes out the mayo is gone. Can't taste it, nothing like that. I thought that was weird. I'd use this exact method, except use a good rub instead of mayo, and you can use cheesecloth to wrap instead of banana peel. I'm a pit guy but this is a great way to cook a hog. Just falls apart

banana leaves are not peels Also cheesecloth burns, no?

You're right I meant leaves not peels. To be honest, I just watched. What they used was something that looked like cheesecloth to me. But like I said, it was absolutely SLATHERED in mayo and other spices. The hog was placed on rocks that were heated for a long time in a fire. The rocks completely covered the coals so you'd be OK there. When the hog was pulled out, nothing was burned.

BigGAdawg

@moos said:

@FirePlugDawg said:

@PeachCoDawg said:

@moos said:
Most traditional and probably well known is the Hawaiian method where you wrap the pig in banana leaves.

Basics are:
Dig a hole (keep the dirt)
Line it with rocks
Build a wood fire
Burn it down to coals
Place preseason pig wrapped in banana leaves with stuffed cavity (citrus, etc) on coals
Cover with dirt
Crack beer and come back in 8-12 hours for delicious, tasty meat

Having done it this way and others, there's No real advantage, imo. Just a different way to do it. Find the way you like, get good at it. Experiment with other ways (or don't.)

That's the way to do it. Actually in Hawaii, they slather the hog with mayonnaise (don't ask me), but when it comes out the mayo is gone. Can't taste it, nothing like that. I thought that was weird. I'd use this exact method, except use a good rub instead of mayo, and you can use cheesecloth to wrap instead of banana peel. I'm a pit guy but this is a great way to cook a hog. Just falls apart

banana leaves are not peels Also cheesecloth burns, no?

Ive never used cheese cloth for this, but the idea is to protect it from the dirt, whatever you use. Burying it prevents burning as it cuts off the oxygen flow, so you just get smoldering, consistent heat. which is what you want in cooking a pig like that.

I always found the bury method to be a lot of work up front, and the spit method to be constantly work throughout.

It's a, "do you want it in the head or the gut?" Scenario.

Split the difference with a good quality motorized spit. It leaves more energy for 12 oz. curls.

BigGAdawg

@DirtDawg said:
@FirePlugDawg -- however you do it, please invite my fat ass over to sample. I'll bring plenty of beer to go 'round!

I'll bring the southern style potato salad, a couple of gallons of sweet tea, and some more beer too. I just finished lunch and this thread is making me hungry again.

FirePlugDawg

Going through my profile I noticed this (my) OP had been Flagged by someone as Spam. Why would an OP about cooking a pig be considered spam? Oh, wait.....

ghostofuga1

@FirePlugDawg said:
Going through my profile I noticed this (my) OP had been Flagged by someone as Spam. Why would an OP about cooking a pig be considered spam? Oh, wait.....

Go back to @moos and my instructions.

Instead of a pig, wrap 100 cans of Spam in banana leaves and tin foil. Drink beer until the cans pop open.

Crack beer and give a one finger salute to whoever "Spammed" you. Ain't got nuthin' on you Bro!!!

BullyDawg

@FirePlugDawg said:
Going through my profile I noticed this (my) OP had been Flagged by someone as Spam. Why would an OP about cooking a pig be considered spam? Oh, wait.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE

JRT812

Been away for a moment, but good advice here that was already stated. It was a bucket list thing for me to do and I recommend going to the local BBQ joint haha. It was a ton of work prepping the hog. Cleaned up the pig, dug a hole, stuffed the pig with vegetables, wired banana leaves around it, and put steel plates on top for heat. It came out well, but the prep work and pulling meat after a long night with friends made me want to stick to smoking chickens, ribs, butts, etc.

Wouldn’t take the experience back, but don’t foresee me doing it again

DirtDawg

.> @FirePlugDawg said:

I've seen the tail end of it - a pig in the ground cooked through - I know it is a real thing, but do not know the steps. Is the seasoning all dry rub, as I would think mop basting wouldn't be possible. Flavor wise, is there an advantage to this method versus a spit or grill cooked pig?

Dammit, man! Wife just bragged on my slow-cooked, smoked ribs which led to me getting swindled into cooking a pig for July 4th. I'm thankful for the advice given to your post. We'll be lucky to walk away alive.