When it comes to Central American cuisine, Mayan cooking methods are often the most captivating. From the use of chili peppers to the incorporation of corn, their dishes are known for their unique flavors and techniques. One of the most fascinating methods used in Mayan cooking is the traditional pib cooking or “earth oven” technique. This ancient method involves baking food in an underground oven, and it has been a staple of Mayan cooking for centuries.
What is a Pib Oven?
Origin
The Pib oven has its origins in the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization which spanned across the Yucatan Peninsula, including parts of modern-day Belize and Guatemala.
Construction
The Pib is essentially a pit dug into the earth. The depth and shape can vary, but it’s designed to hold food and hot stones or embers for cooking.
How to Cook in a Pib Oven
Once the pit is prepared, a fire is built, and cooking rocks are placed over it. After the fire has burned down and the rocks are heated, the food is placed in the pit. The food can be put into pots or wrapped in banana leaves, which protect the food and add moisture, creating steam for the cooking process. The pit is then covered, often with a lid made of greenery or metal, and then with the earth that was dug out, ensuring that no steam or smoke escapes.
What Can You Cook in a Pib Oven?
A variety of foods can be cooked in a Pib oven, from meats to vegetables. One of the most famous dishes cooked in this manner is “Cochinita Pibil”, a slow-roasted marinated pork dish.
How to Build a Maya Pib Oven
The Maya Pib, also known as Pib, is a traditional underground oven used in the Yucatan peninsula. This method of cooking has been passed down through generations, offering a unique and rich flavor to a variety of dishes. Here’s how you can create your own Pib oven:
Digging the Pit
– The pib is essentially a pit dug into the earth. The depth varies based on the type and quantity of food you plan to cook. For instance, larger cuts of meat require a deeper pit.
– The shape of the pit can be square, rectangular, or circular, depending on local customs.
– Choose an area with earth that has minimal small rocks or stones. Some stones can explode when exposed to prolonged heat.
Preparing the Fire
– Once the pit is dug, construct a pyramid-like pile of wood over it.
– Place cooking rocks on top of the wood pile. Hard woods are preferred as they burn slower and can withstand higher temperatures. This ensures the rocks get adequately heated and remain hot for an extended period.
– Light the fire using smaller sticks, foliage, or any flammable material available.
– The rocks should be chosen based on their type and size. They are reused until they break apart and can no longer retain sufficient heat.
Arranging the Food
– After the wood has burned and the rocks are heated, spread the rocks and any remaining embers across the pit’s floor.
– Place the food in the pit. It can either be put into covered pots (ollas) or wrapped in banana leaves. The banana leaves protect the food and provide moisture, creating steam for the cooking process.
Covering the Pit
– Once the food is arranged, cover the pit with a lid. Traditionally, greenery was used, but nowadays, any appropriately sized metal piece can serve the purpose.
– Cover the lid with the dirt that was dug out from the pit. Ensure no steam or smoke escapes to retain the heat.
Cooking Time
– The duration for which the food needs to be cooked varies. For instance, leaf-wrapped tamales, chicken, and many vegetables can be cooked in about an hour. However, larger cuts and tougher meats, like the region’s famous dish Cochinita Pibil, are often cooked overnight.
Variety of Dishes
– A wide range of foods can be cooked using the Pib oven, from meats to vegetarian dishes. Some popular choices include caldo (a chicken soup), adobo, relleno, and pib-roasted corn.
Now that you know how to build a Maya Pib oven, you can experiment with various dishes and enjoy the rich flavors that this traditional cooking method offers!
