Blue skies, a gentle breeze and crystal-clear shores – a few bites of our take on the ultimate Hawaiian pizza recipe and you are practically there. Led by a topping of dry-aged pork, herbs, diced pineapple and Castello® Aged Havarti, this tropical pizza also houses homemade tomato sauce made from cherry tomatoes, rosemary and garlic coated across a classic Neapolitan crust with a wholemeal twist.
1. For the tomato sauce, dice the onion and cook with a little oil over medium heat until soft but not colored.
2. Add the crushed garlic and cook for 3 minutes still with no color.
3. Add the roughly chopped fresh tomato, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, sugar, chopped rosemary and the canned cherry tomatoes.
4. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and cook out until a thick sauce consistency, stirring occasionally to ensure it won’t burn at the bottom.
5. Taste to check for seasoning and balance of acidity and sweet.
6. Cool and reserve for topping the pizza.
7. To make the pizza dough, combine both flours in a large mixing bowl with the salt and yeast.
8. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and almost all of the tepid water (The water should feel just warm – if it is too hot, it may kill off the yeast).
9. Bring the liquid and flour together, adding just enough additional water to make a soft dough that comes together without it being sticky, leaving the bowl clean.
10. Dust the work surface with 1 tablespoon of the extra flour and start to knead the dough.
11. Using the heel of your hands, roll the dough away from you, pressing down firmly as you do so, then bring the dough back towards you and repeat with the other hand, so you are rolling the dough back and forth, alternating your hands as you roll.
12. . Knead for 3–4 minutes until the dough feels soft, springy and elastic.
13. If you prod the dough, the indentation should spring back lightly.
14. Return the dough to the mixing bowl and cover with cling film.
15. Leave to rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size and then split into two parts.
16. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
17. Once the dough is ready place on a lightly floured surface and shape out to a pizza shape either with your hands in a circular motion or with a rolling pin.
18. Spread the tomato sauce and add the rest of the toppings omitting the watercress until after it is cooked.
19. Keep the pancetta uncovered to allow it to become crispy.
20. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
21. Garnish with watercress and serve.
Bordering on being more zesty than sweet, this pizza pairs needs structure from its drink to fully complement its flavors. For wine, a Chardonnay with spicy undertones and depth boosts the overall perception of the pancetta, pineapple and cheese. Generally, also look for wines with acidity and citrusy overtones to match. As for beers, Pale Ales do a great job of clashing with the flavors of the mix in each sip. Enjoy!