Ep 10. Outrageous Ovens

In season 1 episode 10 of Man, Fire, Food, viewers are taken on a journey to explore some of the most outrageous ovens used for cooking around the world. The episode features several ingenious cooking methods that are not only unique but also result in some of the most delicious and mouth-watering dishes.

The host of the show, Roger Mooking, begins by showcasing a simple yet effective oven used by the Acoma Puebloans in New Mexico. This ancient pueblo, which is more than 800 years old, is situated on a breathtaking mesa. The traditional oven used by the puebloans is made of adobe and is heated with wood. For this occasion, Mooking uses the oven to cook whole lamb that is covered with Yucca leaves, giving it a distinct smoky flavor.

Next, Mooking travels to South Africa to learn about the unique oven used by the Zulu people. The oven is made using a metal drum and is covered with mud. The oven is heated using hot coals, and the food is placed inside in a pot which is buried underground. This style of cooking is known as "umngqusho" and produces a hearty stew made of white corn and beans, which is a traditional food for the Zulu.

In India, Mooking discovers a 600-year-old oven that is used by the Muslim community. The oven, known as a "tandoor," is made of clay and is used to cook a variety of dishes, including naan bread and tandoori chicken. The tandoor is heated using charcoal, and the food is placed inside using long skewers. The heat from the oven cooks the food evenly, creating a mouth-watering flavor.

Mooking then travels to Peru to learn about the traditional "Pachamanca" oven used by the indigenous people of the Andes Mountains. The oven is made by digging a pit in the ground and covering it with hot rocks. The food - consisting of potatoes, beans, meat, and vegetables - is then placed on top of the rocks and covered in banana leaves. The food is left to cook for several hours, resulting in a mouth-watering smoky flavor.

The episode wraps up with a trip to Israel where Mooking explores a traditional "Taboon" oven used by the Druze people. This oven is made of clay and is heated using wood. The food, which includes bread, chicken, and vegetables, is placed inside the oven and cooked quickly at high temperatures. The result is a crispy texture and delicious flavor.

Overall, season 1 episode 10 of Man, Fire, Food provides viewers with a unique and fascinating look at the various ovens used around the world to create delicious meals. From the Pachamanca oven in Peru to the Tandoor in India, this episode showcases the ingenuity and creativity of cooks from different cultures and backgrounds.