Italian Hawaiian pizza, despite its name, is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors that has captivated taste buds around the world. This article delves into the origins of this unique pizza style and provides a step-by-step recipe to recreate it at home, combining traditional Italian pizza techniques with the tropical twist of Hawaiian ingredients.
Origins and Evolution
Contrary to its name, Hawaiian pizza did not originate in Italy but rather in Canada in the early 1960s. However, its popularity has spread globally, including to Italy, where it has been adapted to suit local tastes and preferences. Italian Hawaiian pizza typically features a thin, crispy crust topped with a classic combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham (often referred to as prosciutto cotto), and pineapple.
Ingredients for Italian Hawaiian Pizza
Pizza Dough:
- 300 grams of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 200 ml of lukewarm water
Tomato Sauce:
- 1 cup of tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of dried oregano or basil for extra flavor
Toppings:
- 150 grams of mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
- 100 grams of ham (prosciutto cotto), sliced or cubed
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks, drained if using canned
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped (optional)
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well of the flour.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato passata or crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using.
- Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Assemble and Bake the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (typically around 475-500°F or 245-260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin round or rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal or flour for easy sliding onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly over each pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by distributing the ham and pineapple chunks evenly.
- Carefully slide the pizzas (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves and red chili flakes if desired.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the Italian Hawaiian pizzas into wedges or squares and serve hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors from the savory ham and cheese to the sweet bursts of pineapple. Pair with a fresh green salad or a chilled beverage for a complete meal experience.
Conclusion
Italian Hawaiian pizza exemplifies the creative fusion of flavors that characterize modern culinary innovation. While its origins may be debated, its popularity and adaptation in Italy and beyond demonstrate its appeal as a delightful variation of traditional pizza. By following this authentic recipe, you can recreate the delicious harmony of Italian techniques with the tropical twist of Hawaiian ingredients in your own kitchen, delighting friends and family with each savory-sweet bite.
