Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaii Pizza - An Exotic Delicacy at Home

Hawaii Pizza is a delicious choice for those of us who love the combination of salty and sweet. This recipe brings together a crispy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and toppings of turkey ham and fresh pineapple, creating a unique culinary experience. The origins of this type of pizza are shrouded in controversy, but it has certainly won the hearts of many due to its bold flavor. Whether you prepare it for a quiet evening at home or for a party with friends, this recipe will delight you!

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large pizzas

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g of wheat flour (ideally, type 00 flour for pizza)
- 200 ml of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of sugar

For the sauce:
- 5 fresh tomatoes (or 400 g of canned tomatoes)
- 5 small fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (preferably homemade)

For the filling:
- 300 g of grated mozzarella
- 10 slices of turkey ham (or pork ham, if you prefer)
- A large slice of fresh pineapple, diced
- Italian spices (oregano, basil, etc.)

Preparing the Dough

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl or kneading container, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. In the center of the flour, make a well and add the dry yeast. Sprinkle the sugar on top of the yeast to activate it.
3. Add the olive oil and gradually pour in the warm water, starting to knead the dough with a spatula or your hands.
4. Once the dough begins to form, add the salt and continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 8 minutes.
6. After it has risen, divide the dough into two balls and let them rise for another 15 minutes.

Preparing the Sauce

7. In a blender, add the tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and tomato paste. Blend until you achieve a smooth sauce. If using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain them well before adding them to the blender.
8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Assembling the Pizza

9. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place a sheet of baking paper on the pizza tray.
10. On a lightly floured surface, take each ball of dough and stretch it with your hands (or a rolling pin) until you get a thin crust, but sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
11. Place the crust on the prepared tray. Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce on each crust.
12. Sprinkle grated mozzarella on top of the sauce, followed by slices of turkey ham and diced pineapple.
13. Sprinkle Italian spices on top for extra flavor and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves.

Baking

14. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and starting to brown slightly.
15. After baking, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving

Hawaii Pizza is served hot and can be accompanied by a fresh green salad or a light appetizer, such as bruschetta with tomatoes and basil. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can squeeze a few drops of lemon juice on top before serving.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, especially the pineapple. A canned version can alter the final texture and flavor of the pizza.
- Variations: You can experiment with other types of meat, such as chicken or prosciutto, and add vegetables like peppers or olives to diversify the flavor.
- Other pairings: Hawaii Pizza goes well with a cold blonde beer or a tropical cocktail, such as a mojito.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of Hawaii Pizza (1/2 pizza) has about 400-500 calories, depending on the thickness of the crust and the amount of cheese. It is a good source of protein due to the ham and cheese, but also contains natural sugars from the pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why is sugar used in the dough? Sugar helps activate the yeast and gives a more pleasant taste to the pizza crusts.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Sure, but it will result in a denser dough. It is recommended to mix whole wheat flour with white flour for the best results.
- How can I make the pizza spicier? Add a few slices of chili pepper or sprinkle chili flakes over the toppings.

Hawaii Pizza is a perfect example of a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be personalized according to your preferences. Don't hesitate to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 300 g flour, 200 ml warm water, 1 teaspoon dried yeast, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons sugar. Sauce: 5 small basil leaves, 5 tomatoes, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon tomato paste (homemade if possible). Filling: mozzarella, 10 slices of ham (I used turkey), Italian herbs (spices), 1 large slice of fresh pineapple. It makes two pizzas... and I also made a margherita pizza which I decorated with cherry tomatoes.

 Tags:  pizza