For those of you who have participated in our Fiji program and loved the lovo that you had with your Fijian homestay family, here is how you can make your own at home to entertain your family and friends. For those of you who have yet to have the pleasure of a lovo, it is a FEAST of magnificent proportion, cooked in the ground. It’s like a barbeque (cook out), but with a little bit more of a smoky taste. It is also a very efficient way to cook large quantities of food at the same time (perfect for that party).

To make your own you’ll need: firewood, some smooth-surfaced stones, a roll of foil, banana leaves, clean sacks (optional) and a shovel (not optional!).

Firstly dig a hole in your yard 60cm (2 ft) deep and 72cm wide. If the soil is damp, spread a layer of ash in the bottom of the hole before putting in the stones and wood. Light the fire and keep it going until the stones are red-hot, then move the unburnt wood and coal and spread the stones out to make a platform for the food.

Traditionally, the food will consist of cassava (tapioca), kumala (sweet potato), yam and taro – all of which should be peeled. Wrap a shoulder or leg of pork or ham in foil (and/or chicken, fish or lamb) and place in the oven. Put the big stuff, such as meat, at the bottom and the things that need less cooking at the top.

Cover the feast with banana leaves or coconut stalks and damp sacks to provide the final insulation. Cover the lot with soil and wait! The food will take around two hours to cook.

To really re-create those Fiji memories throw on a sulu and some island music…and maybe a heater!

Let us know if you try a home-made lovo and the results!