Christmas Dinner Cooked in the Ground. Earth Oven. Hangi.

In this video, Maggie and I are cooking up a festive feast!
This year I decided to try a cooking technique that I have been wanting to attempt for years - cooking underground in an earth oven or Hangi using hot rocks. After digging a pit and collecting lots of firewood, I get a hot fire going, loading rocks into the fire to begin heating them up - it is the rocks that will do the cooking.
After a couple of hours of wafting, the rocks are hot enough and I remove any remaining embers before placing my Christmas dinner onto the hot rocks in the pit. The pit is then covered with sticks, wet sacking and finally covered over with soil to seal in the steam and heat.
Two and a half hours later and its time to uncover the food and see what we have!
Bacon wrapped turkey, cooked to perfection - tender and succulent.
Roasted (ish) potatoes, carrots and parsnips.
And a heap of Brussel sprouts all smothered in hot gravy…..delicious! (if a little caramelised on the bottom - wouldn’t be the same without it!)
Happy Christmas!!
I hope you enjoy the video, and thanks for watching!
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Music:
First Noel By Jingle Punks
Silent Night By Jingle Punks

[@lesleeallen5965]

So glad Maggie was with you. Can’t have Christmas dinner without her! Merry Christmas!

[@MSJERSwenson]

Christmas dinner was Maggie approved! She is so sweet

[@aarondodge1913]

Simon. It is great to see you and maggie sharing time together. My family just lost our dog Maggie, a flat coated retriever that your dog Maggie reminds us so much of. Have a wonderful Christmas. And thanks for sharing.

[@lumpygravyalfresco82]

Merry Christmas Simon, to you and yours. You've helped me get through the year. All the best.

[@couchpilot12]

Yes the Maori have used the Hangi in New Zealand for years. Phonetically speaking it’s pronounced “Hungee” not Hangee. And it is the food of the gods. Beautiful succulent meat best vegetables best everything in my opinion. Kia Kaha Simon meaning Stay Strong. Thanks for the videos I love them they are well put together and informative. Ps love Maggs as well.

[@HelenNetoken]

Chur..Merry Christmas!

[@MHarenArt]

Maggie looked adorable in her golden tinsel collar!! Your dinner looks fabulous too! Turned out quite well!! Merry Christmas Simon, to you and your family!

[@jamescoffey5225]

I had to really laugh hard! Even after eating, Maggie still was ready for more grub, just like our own two beloved pooches. Sumptuous bush-meal and great video. Happy Christmas to you & yours, and hang in there safely until that vaccine is more widely available. Best regards.

[@alanargent5422]

The effort you put in to your content incredible. Have a great Christmas!

[@MrPianoKnee]

Wonderful. Merry Christmas to you Simon and to all your subscribers and viewers who recognize a good man when they see one. Maggie is a good sport too.

[@michaelnoakes8566]

In the Upper Crust Restaurants' one attempts to achieve the coveted Michelin Stars; without an official taste test, and solely based upon technique and appearance; I believe you have earned a full 5 acorn award status. Merry Christmas Brother :-)

[@mountaingator001]

THE BEST TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND WONDERFUL MAGGIE ...GOD BLESS

[@jamesdecross1035]

"Let's call it caramelised". What a brilliant thing to do at Christmas. Happy holidays!

[@CDBIDSBEAR]

Love your videos mate, Merry Christmas to you & Mag’s.

[@adriankingston4338]

Yes caramelized is the word 🤤!

[@reginaschmid2657]

That meal came out great and looked so delish! I am sure Maggie really enjoyed her portion! Bravo, Simon! Another video well done 👍!!! Have a very Merry Christmas 🎄🎁!!!

[@maryblaylock6545]

My father would have said 'that's not burnt, It's like a mahogany Queen Anne table.' I loved Maggie's tinsel collar and your snow bunny Christmas hat. She is one of the most beautiful dogs I have seen. Excellent manners too. Years ago, when I was in my teens, we did a luau and it was fabulous! I'm going to have to try and make one of those once the ground thaws out. We have a blizzard raging outside right now. Winds gusting up to 60 miles an hour. Can hear branches cracking. Tomorrow and next year will be better! Happy holidays to everybody! And stay healthy please!

[@marianfrances4959]

You and Maggie look especially cute today! We dug 3 feet of snow off our fire pit for an Xmas fire! Merry Christmas to you 😉👍🇨🇦🎄🎁🎅🦃🔥🦌🌘 and...pushing a million subs!!!! 👍🥇✨🎆

[@The_Stoic_PhilosopherAU]

You’re a man of many talents Simon

[@Aby7799]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year🎉🎊🎇🎉 🎄🎅🔔❄🎄🎅🔔❄Simon, Tom, Maggie and all the viewers, thanks❤🌹😊 for helping us get through 2020.

[@mountaingator001]

GOD BLESS YOU ALL ...FROM THE USA

[@karenwaters3497]

Loved Maggie licking her lips as you were uncovering the food. Happy Christmas!

[@benny_mc]

That was the most 'down to earth' Christmas dinner I've ever seen! Happy Christmas Simon!

[@johnnycobalt2758]

Get out.

[@randyhines5628]

Simon, we did something like this at summer camp. We would line a hole with the stones and built the fire in the lined hole. We could then rake the fire out and then line the hole with wet grass, above and below the food. We put a chicken, vegetables, etc in a pillow case. More wet grass and then cover with dirt. That way when you’re leading a group of adult leaders through the woods, you could remark that you were a little hungry, and then dig up dinner. Great video.

[@bugnfront]

No matter where a camper is or a bloke in the woods, we all have the same mind set...leave no trace and you save the place...!

[@bugnfront]

Simon, in Texas USA there is a fish called a Carp. Special Texas cooking instructions are this...do a fire, wrap Carp in mud. Cook on the open fire. When done remove mud...throw away the Carp and eat the mud! May your feet on the trail be sure, your fire warm at night and the trail tales be true!

[@hirokawiti4932]

🤣

[@wittywilf]

In the UK carp fishing is a big thing. Lakes are stocked with carp, a 45lb carp can cost the fishery owner over £5000. People pay to fish for them and if they catch them they are handled like a baby and released.

[@danielodonnell8470]

‘They’re not burnt, they’re barbecued’ my father would say when serving us sausages that were more carbon than sausage. Great work mate, have a merry Christmas, Ive enjoyed watching all year round, all the best to you and the family over the holiday season, hope you get the time to put the canoe in.

[@aw4483]

My grandfather would say "charcoal is good for digestion so eat up"

[@Geenine44]

Brings back memories of how my Dad would put a hangi on for News Years Eve and all the Whanau showed up for it. Was a Railways man and would start up that fire to heat up those irons at daybreak while mum and I peeled a ton of spuds. Was always a late feed still but so worth it.

[@frogslips]

Just wonderful Simon. The way you treat Maggie says everything about you. Happy Christmas.

[@nzdarkelf2451]

Awesome Simon and Merry Christmas. You know once upon a time every other person in New Zealand had an Uncle or a mate who worked on the Railways (or so it seemed). Railway iron is often used in hangis instead of stones. Saves on all that dangerous exploding stuff. I would figure any heavy iron or other metal would do the job in place of those stones. Oh, and next time pop a bit of pumpkin and a sweet potatoe or two in. - Ben.

[@MrPianoKnee]

Nothing like a hangi with pork and kumaras. One of the best meals I ever had.

[@Geenine44]

And the ole hangi steam pud too👍🏼

[@jimwulstan8592]

Simon thrives on adversity, and creates a very nice looking Christmas dinner. Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2021.

[@mikeboudrie6585]

Another great video Simon, thanks for keeping them coming all year long in a less than normal year! Thanks for making us all better and more considerate campers. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@llantup]

Native Americans would dig a side hole and tunnel into the main fire pit, so that fresh air would draw in from the bottom. I've just gotten started watching this (I'm at 5:33), and I'm fascinated.

[@abefrohman1759]

I have seen a traditional Christmas Luau in forever. 😎👍

[@OoavastoO]

Out of all the uncertainty, anxiety, suffering (for many, sadly), and generally life-altering tire fire of a year that was 2020, the one highlight and takeaway for me is now referring to brussels sprouts as "fart bombs" 🤣🤣 👍! Brilliant Simon. Thanks for taking us along on all your adventures this year and giving us a sense of calm and "normalcy" that we all needed. A very Happy Christmas to you and your family and all the blessings of the New Year! Stay safe and ATB from Nova Scotia - Darby

[@woongtv-naturehealing273]

Wow, that's a great video. The natural scenery is so beautiful. Happy New Year. Always stay healthy. 👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🤙👌

[@minisynthcollective7822]

25 mins of pure heaven. Really loved that. Well done. Top Chef would be proud of that. Happy Crimbo.

[@kat4770]

Very enjoyable to watch. Wishing you, Maggie, and your family the happiest of holidays. Thanks for making 2020 less of a nightmare! ❤️

[@Mr.M1STER]

That dinner looked quite good. Maggie clearly enjoyed it too.

[@davemorris2828]

I enjoying your video of you on tandem with your laughing son, good to se father and son having good times together. Keep up the good work Kind regards Dave morris

[@MalcolmPowder]

Merry Christmas Simon. I "caramelised" my toast this morning, so there must be something going around.

[@paddycarr9537]

Well done Simon, what a result when everything was against you. Thanks for sharing your experience with us all and a Merry Xmas to you, Mags and your family, hoping next year is a better one for us all mate.

[@davidjones8680]

Just finished watching this at 10pm on xmas eve and its put me eight in the mood for lunch tomorrow. Many thanks for all your superb episodes throughout the year, they have brightened many a gloomy day. I hope you too have a grand Christmas, and look forward to seeing more in the future. Regards Dave from Dudley.

[@nidfest]

Good on you Simon for making the best of some not so great weather. You've shown some great versatility in your films, and your enthusiasm is always a joy to behold. I liked the cycle trip around Suffolk, brought back some nostalgic memories. I used to live outside of Stowmarket, but made the move to the land of the Hāngī . Wishing you a great year of adventures. Ngā Mihi, John in NZ

[@rialobran]

Nobody tell Simon his kids stuck Smarties to his hat... Good looking grub....still 'river jealous' :)

[@thcdreams654]

Thanks for the early gift Simon. The content has been a life saver this last year. Merry Christmas bro!

[@thizizliz]

Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones! Maggie was SO patient! She is a great dog. The food looked terrific - I can only imagine how it must have smelled to her, yet she did not beg! Brilliant video Simon. Thank you for another year of wonderful videos.

[@CharlesBevien]

Suggestion: Make a Dakota campfire. It will give it more air for the fire. Love your videos.

[@Rjhs001]

Fantastic! My late father in law was a scout leader in the Peak District and he once cooked a full turkey dinner for the whole scout troup in a similar manner but using a haybox I think. Well done you!

[@RolandForest]

Merry Christmas from America. What a peaceful and reflective video thank you as always for leaving us with something to enjoy when the world is so crazy

[@mikedelacruz3135]

✊🏼🧐👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👌!! I know this is an older episode, but well done Simon! Cheers from California

[@nanavango9374]

Your videos bring me peace.

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

He came! He Dug! we saw! He Cooked It Worked.Awesome Simon,Cracking Xmas Dinner done in an Unusual Way👏👏👏👍 Time To Dig Up My Garden😂😂😂

[@davidsturmer3646]

Love your work. Hangis are hard to get right, good on you,!!!ATB from a New Zealander in Argentina!

[@Braapncamp]

God Jul Simon! Thanks for giving us some cool stone age stuff, really nice. We practiced this in the scouts good to develop primitive skills.

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

Hello Simon, what a strange year ! Thank you for lifting my spirits with your content - that you work hard to supply. Wishing you & your son and family clan a wonderful ‘safe’ Christmas. Let’s hope for a better 2021 🙏🎅

[@twikitwo3876]

Maggie looks fabulous with that tinsel!

[@tearfree1600]

I'm watching this as I eat a tin of sardines for lunch☺..... Merry Christmas looks great

[@danielmcpeck8636]

I May be late but ,Merry Christmas, loved this video I may recreate this one, you are an inspiration to me as I retire from 38 years of emergency services and to get outdoors and sharing with my family. Thank you.

[@ronaldmoore2336]

even the wife is excited when she hears me shout Simon's got a new vid out. I hope you know just how much good your doing with your videos. and about to break 100k subs. Simon my friend, as I think of you as a friend. Thanks for taking us along one more time. Truly will done and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@8888swatt]

That lunch looked bootiful. Maggie is a lucky dog.

[@ArtGardenFoodExpressions]

I could give you a thousand hugs over for how you treat Maggie. I don't have enough nice things to say. You shared your turkey and trimmings with her. Many Bushcrafters would have said>>>>.sorry, but can't share this with you. It's all mine>>>>>I have seen that before. She is so sweet and soooo beautiful. Awesome video, Simon. Merry Christmas.

[@damnfinecoffee224]

omg maggie’s tinsel. she’s the cutest

[@daveoakley2589]

Another great video Simon, thanks for all your efforts through what has been an extremely challenging year. Couldn't have made it through without the help of people like you. I wish you and your family the best Christmas you can manage and the very best of luck with your recently imposed tier 4.

[@mystisith3984]

I'm late to the party but enjoying this very much none the less. Basically I'm doing my homework for my next camping trip in the wild. Finally a man that loves veggies with his meat, lol. That was a great vid. Thank you and best late wishes from France for this new year. ^^

[@christinearmstrong852]

🎅🌲☃️❤ Merry Christmas Simon and Family 🎅🌲☃️....🎉❤ 🎉🎈Happy New Year🎉🎈

[@Whittmike2011]

For the first time ever, I think I experienced Smellivision & Tastevision!!! My oh my that looks devine Simon!!

[@jasongeorgeson8551]

First ever comment from me. I’ve watched you from the start. Awesome journey. You took the time to share your experiences.thank you for doing this Simon. It was awesome to see you saying merry Christmas to all your followers. Merry Christmas to you and maggy (Maggie) and your family.

[@fr33ourminds]

Just watching you dig that hole got my back hurting.

[@kevincasey2947]

This was totally coolio! I had never heard of "Hangi" before, had to look that up. I've done many clam boils on the beach before, I thought this would be similar, but its not. We used to call this a wart pit because the sides are vertical and the pit base is deep. The fire struggled a bit for lack of air flow and you covered the top with wet burlap over sticks to create an actual oven chamber. The food was applied directly on top of the hot rocks. In a clam boil, the pit is much bigger and rounder with shallow, sloping sides because its generally done on a sandy beach. The pit is fully lined with rocks first and the fire rages above the rim of the pit to heat the rocks. You can use a pitchfork to rattle the rocks around to let the embers fall down between them if you want, but removing them would be a lost resource and would burn bare feet. Wet seaweed is then loaded in directly all over on top of the hot rocks and embers and then layered with the food but only in the middle. The food pile and the edge of rocks on the rim are covered in more seaweed. The food is arranged and layered in the boil in a cook time logic based on the food type. Usually a few carrots are placed loose in the top of the boil to serve as a thermometer. The whole pile is covered with more seaweed and wet burlap. The boil just steams away while you drink too much! :-) This was an actual oven! You totally rocked my mind! Totally cool!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Yup! That is the way 'New Englanders' do things. Thanks for helping to 'export the technology!'

[@kevincasey2947]

@@jamesellsworth9673 Ha ha...you nailed me! I'm from Rhode Island, USA.

[@roseanne511]

Happy Christmas, Simon - you are such an admirable and adventurous guy with your beautiful dog, Maggie.

[@Kenbur]

HAPPY CHRISTMAS SIMON!!!!! AND TO YOU TOO QUEEN MAGGIE!! Absolutely delicious looking. If I close my eyes and I wander in my memories I can smell the fire, food, and dampness. I can feel the wind, moisture, and the squish of mud under my boots. The taste of the hot food slowly cooling as I eat - all is GOOD (except for the sprouts mate - sorry - but oh the rest is heavenly) Then reality breaks back in and I want to thank you for your videos this year and the whole year of entertainment. I have enjoyed 'our' hikes, paddles, and camps together. And thanks for always doing the hard stuff so I can sit and watch the master at work. ATB Simon🎄🎅🏽🥘🍴🔥⛺

[@tonystrange7224]

Merry Christmas Simon, thanks for helping keep us all sane these past 12 months. Hope you and yours have a great Christmas.

[@barryhopesgthope686]

I am watching this the day after Christmas, so I guess it is Happy Boxing day.

[@nickdelia3130]

Simon, Happy Christmas!! I get a kick out of how you and Andy just don't care about rain. Does it ever NOT rain. I am learning a great deal by watching these videos. You have much more endurance than I do. Stay Healthy, Stay Well. Thanks Again, Nick DeLia

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Ground oven!? Well, guess I need to try that. Thanks for your time Simon. Great video as always. Merry Christmas my friend.

[@risingsun49]

This is so cute your hat your dog w Christmas decoration round his neck really nice . You could put a tent over the hot rocks and stay warm nice land. Merry Christmas thank you so much .

[@razifmahathir2437]

A brilliant xmas video. Despite the damp weather, nothing was going to stop you trying your ground oven and it worked out well. Nice feelgood factor to brighten up the festive season despjte the havoc wreaked by this bloody pandemic. Thanks for cheering us all up Simon. Nice one 👍

[@gregphillips.1312]

When I was a Boy Cub, we Camped on a Hillside in Devon on the edge of some Woods, we dug into the Hillside leaving an edge to prop up a used (and cleaned out) 5 litre metal oil can, which we made into an Oven. That was then covered with the Turf we had removed leaving a Chimney gap behind. We then had a fire under the oil can which drew up the back and out. If remember correctly I think we Baked a simple Bread. It was probably close to 40 years ago now, but I remember the Oven and have always thought it was awesome to use your surroundings to make a cook system. Thanks again for the content Si. Mery Christmas to you and yours, let's hope 2021 is a better year for all! 😁

[@trevorcooper5876]

Years ago we ran a Scout camp next to a river same as above we used the river bank but as the fires got going it dried out the mud which had a high content of sand ,not good, as they collapsed except one patrols oven as the lad tasked to make it mixed cow pats with the mud and it lasted all week!, memories 😊😊 Thanks Simon for your hard work putting these enjoyable video's together. Happy new year to all folk.

[@jeremyharris246]

Thanks Simon, it's fun to try new things and see what happens. I think this got me more into the Christmas spirit than anything else. I always enjoy your Christmas vids. Cheers

[@ricbrown9819]

Merry Christmas to you and all of your family. You help us all get through these rough days.

[@stephengomme777]

Thank you Simon for your Christmas adition .keep them there rocks nice and hot

[@MsBfromtheD]

Merry Christmas to you and Maggie. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures this year. It really helped me pass the time during shutdown/shelter-in-place/work.

[@sphericalwizard]

I always look forward to the Christmas video from you and Mags. ❤

[@swaggingsisters]

Yum, love a good hangi...looks alright & job well done...except for the brussel sprouts 😉😆

[@Scotty-gg4gc]

Simon, that looked delicious! Very colorful. And root vegetables are great when toasty. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and all your viewers worldwide! 🎅

[@dianejacklin4338]

Well we really enjoyed this video. What a good job you did of cooking underground. It’s a fascinating technique.

[@RaistJustice]

Merry Christmas, from Athens, Alabama in the United States. Great video.

[@brushbum7508]

Thank You Simon & Maggie ! That was alot of work for our Christmas dinner. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOURS ! TAKE CARE..

[@bayman49]

A lot of work there Simon. Too bad the conditions weren't just a little nicer but you did great. The food looks delicious. Job well done!

[@lisamulieri4083]

YOU DID AWESOME SIMON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU YOU BLOKESTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@troyjenkins3886]

Hope your having a wonderful Christmas Season.We still got the ol green up,listening to Christmas records,and watching movies.The video was great and the Santa Mrs.got me a Honey Stove,its coming in the mail.😄🎄

[@LewPatton]

Merry, merry Christmas Simon. Great video. Hope you have the merriest of holidays!!! ATB! Thanks for getting us through this strange year. ATB from Texas!

[@patricksipeoutdoors6810]

My Christmas is now complete now that I've had my Simon Christmas video. Appreciate all the effort you put in, thank you. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Cheers

[@a.y.t.a.s.494]

Good effort Simon. Happy Christmas to you and yours from just down the river. Maggie looked great with the tinsel! Happy Christmas to all you viewers too!

[@thenanlife1141]

Wow ! That Christmas dinner looks delicious . So enjoyed watching you cook it ..

[@kurtmartele]

merry Christmas to you and your family Simon. stay safe . greatings from Belgium. I hope the virus and the Brexit do not harm you . stay on making videos

[@sandradanen8738]

Great video! Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄🎅🎄

[@patrickj8984]

merry christmas to you simon and your family, and thankyou again for showing us something that i cant explain-just have to do!

[@Saskia01]

Looks good! I'm actually hungry now! 🥓🍗😊What a great idea!

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Yes sir 👍 We used to cook rabbits that way Merry Christmas 🎅 Simon

[@lexluthor9966]

Saving this one for Xmas Eve. You ledgend 🌲👍

[@tracyl1368]

Liked before watching just know it's gonna be good!

[@andrewwoods4906]

Great video again Simon. Love ground ovens, used them to cook roast lamb potatoes and vegetables with my scouts a couple of times.