The luau is a feast born from when the king ate with women, thus ending the practice of the sexes eating separately. This symbolic act ended Hawaiian religious taboos and gave birth to the modern-day luau. The traditional luau is eaten while sitting on the floor. Mats are rolled out, and centerpieces made of native flowers and ti leaves decorate the mats acting as tablecloths. Utensils are not used; it is fingers-only occasion. Taro plant leaves combined with chicken and baked in coconut milk is the favorite dish that gave the name to the luau.
For your luau
In Hawaii, luaus are celebrations. Entertainment usually means hula dances and people playing guitars and ukuleles. The authentic Hawaiian luau traditionally includes roasted pork, grilled fish, steamed vegetables, fresh green salad and rice. For dessert, a tray of fresh skewered fruits are arranged on a round tray with cookies and sorbet. Mai tais and pina coladas top the list for tropical drinks.
Meal Ideas
Laulau is a fish and pork dish using luau leaves and ti leaves. After cooking, place a piece of fish and poke into the luau leaves, fold over the meat and fish making a bundle, then steam it for three to four hours.
Kalua pig is cooked with sweet potatoes and after it is cooked, the meat is shredded.
Poi is taro roots cooked and smashed into a paste to use as a food or they can be made into a pudding.
Lomi lomi is a salad using onions, tomatoes and chili peppers with salted fish.
Chopped raw fish, poke, is sprinkled with ground kukui nuts, seaweed and salt.
Another suggestion to add to your luau is Huli Huli chicken, a barbecued chicken. Huli huli means to flip or turn over. For dessert, along with your fruit skewers, try haupia coconut pudding using coconut milk. It is cooked cooled and cut into squares. Use lots of papaya for your fruit trays.
Making Leis
To add authenticity to your luau, greet each guest with the customary lei. Making them is like stringing beads. You can use marigolds or roses, orchids or carnations. You will need a 10-inch needle and 45 inches of dental floss. Put the needle through the center of each flower, sliding them three at a time down the string. Refrigerate the leis until you are ready to use them.
Tags: your luau, coconut milk, fish poke, luau leaves, your fruit