Boil-Up (Pork Bones, Pūhā and Doughboys)
In short: Pork bones, potatoes, kūmara and bitter greens simmered into a rich broth, topped with soft flour dumplings called doughboys. It takes about 1 h 55 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 55 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 490 kcal
A boil-up is a big pot of pork bones, root vegetables and greens simmered in broth, and it is a family meal in many Māori households. Pūhā, a wild green with a pleasant bitterness, goes in near the end along with doughboys, small flour dumplings that steam on top of the stew. The pot is easy to stretch for a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
Instructions
- Put the pork bones in a large pot and cover with the cold water. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 hour, until the meat is tender and pulling from the bone.
- Add the potatoes and kūmara and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the vegetables cook, wash the pūhā well. Strip the leaves from any thick, tough stems and chop everything roughly.
- Make the doughboys. Stir the flour and salt with just enough cold water to make a soft, sticky dough.
- Push the pūhā down into the pot. Drop spoonfuls of dough on top of the stew, cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until the doughboys are puffed and firm and the greens have wilted.
- Season with salt. Serve in large bowls with plenty of broth, vegetables and meat on the bone.
Tips
- Pūhā (sow thistle) is bitter and hard to find outside New Zealand. Watercress, mustard greens or a mix of silverbeet and arugula give a similar peppery edge.
- Chill the pot overnight and lift off the fat for a lighter broth. Smoked pork hock or brisket can replace the bones.
Questions and answers
What is a boil-up?
A big pot of pork bones, root vegetables and greens simmered in broth, with dumplings called doughboys on top. It is an easy way to feed a crowd and a staple in many Māori homes.
Can I freeze boil-up?
Freeze the broth, meat and vegetables without the doughboys for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat and add freshly made doughboys.
What can I use if I cannot find pūhā?
Use watercress, silverbeet or spinach. Add them at the end, because they wilt in a few minutes.
How long does it take to make Boil-Up (Pork Bones, Pūhā and Doughboys)?
About 1 h 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Boil-Up (Pork Bones, Pūhā and Doughboys)?
About 490 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 64 g of carbohydrates and 15 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 490 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 64 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
