The first step in making an imu is digging a big hole. When the hole is ready, the next step is to fill it with large flat, smooth stones. We laid stones in the bottom of our imu hole. So fuel will consist of kindling, larger, preferably hard wood, and green plant materials. Once the stones have reached their maximum heat, spread them evenly across the floor of the oven and lay the first layer of vegetation over them. This will create the steam for cooking. Then lay the second layer of ti leaves, which will touch and flavor the food. Place a few hot rocks inside the pig to help the cooking along, and then place the pig and all vegetables in the imu. Cover the food with more ti and banana leaves if they are available, or a burlap sack or tarp, and make sure that this layer extends beyond the diameter of the imu to protect the food from dirt. Finally, once the food has finished steaming, carefully brush off all dirt and lift the leaves or tarp without getting dirt in the imu.