Hawaiian pizza is known for featuring pineapple . This fruit with a base of tomato, ham and melted cheese is the undoubted star of this recipe. In fact, even though one ingredient of one of the most consumed pizzas in the world varies, Hawaiian pizza is a point of contention.
Hawaiian pizza doesn’t come from this archipelago, but it may come from Germany or Canada.
From those who hate it to those who love it, Every pizza lover has a firm stance on Hawaiian pizza . But despite what it may seem because of the name and the main ingredient, Hawaiian pizza does not come from Hawaii.
One of the most common theories is the one that indicates that Hawaiian pizza was invented in Germany as a variant of Hawaiian toast, very common in the country in German.
Although the most common and popular legend attributes the origin of this recipe to Sam Panopoulos, a chef from Ontario, Canada . This Canadian of Greek descent was the first to offer pizza with this fruit at his Satellite Restaurant in the 1960s. It is said that he also tried to popularize the pineapple burger, although it was not as successful as the pizza.
Australia, big fan of Hawaiian pizza
There seems to be a country that is clear on its position on this issue. And the fact is that, according to recent data, 15% of all pizza sales in Australia come from Hawaiian pizza .
In fact, it seems that Australians are ahead of us when it comes to enjoying the taste , because according to science, the juice that pineapple releases enhances the taste of the ham that this recipe includes. Thus, the pineapple will accentuate the taste of the other protagonist of the preparation, making us enjoy its taste more.
On the other side of the scale would be Hawaii’s own Hawaiians, who have not at all proclaimed themselves followers of this recipe that bears their name, do not seem to show much appreciation for Hawaiian pizza . In fact, although pineapple is one of the great gastronomic symbols of the archipelago, its inhabitants prefer it alone or as part of other typical recipes of their culinary tradition.
Although it seems they will have to get used to sharing the name of their island, since it has become very common to refer to any recipe that includes pineapple as Hawaiian.
Once the president of Iceland, Guni T. Johannesson, had to answer an unusual question from the audience during a lecture at Akureyri School about his attitude toward Hawaiian pizza. The politician himself literally clarified that he did not like this type of pizza and that he would have banned it if he could.
This type of debate was used in his 2017 campaign as a form of social media propaganda. Logically, it caused controversy among voters, many of whom supported his proposal to ban it. This war against Hawaiian pizza echoed around the world, and even Panapoulos himself responded.
Dedicated songs
As incredible as Nick Jonas’ singing may seem, in 2017 he dedicated a song from the Jonas Brothers to Hawaiian pizza. The content of his song is a tribute to all the social controversies it contains.
Subsequently, other bands, such as Ohsobrkn and The Slothys , made their own musical versions of Hawaiian pizza, adding a humorous touch to this peculiar reputation.
Ingredients
For 4 people
- 2 basins of Harin.
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 slices diced pineapple in syrup
- 250 g diced ham
- 250 gr gr grated mozzarella cheese
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Process
- Mix two tablespoons of flour, dry yeast, sugar, and warm water until dissolved.
- Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Mix outside with remaining flour, oil and oregano, salt and pepper.
- ADD the dough that has rested.
- Knead until you obtain a smooth and elastic ball. Add more water if necessary.
- PLACE into a greased bowl.
- COOK and let stand for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 160ºC.
- Spread the dough out on a floured surface.
- LOCATE the dough on a baking tray, forming a circle.
- Press down with your fingertips.
- LAKE the dough with the butter and salt and pepper.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- ADD tomato puree and oregano.
- Sprinkle cheese, pineapple and ham.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until crust is browned and golden. This serves.