Cuisine Focus – Hawaiian – Bursting With Island Flavors

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Hawaii is commonly known for its impressive beaches and mighty waves. There isn’t a foreigner in town who fails to appreciate nature along with the smiles of its people and their enthusiastic flair. This is because Hawaii regards itself as a place of warmth and serenity, where both locals and tourists can just stay and relax momentarily, as if finding their secret place.

Hawaiian cuisine is not just about tropical fruits and ice-cold beverages. Perhaps, many of us are amazed by the idea of sitting under the shade of palm trees, with a good book to read on one hand and a concocted Pina Colada on the other. Well, that can be turned into reality but Hawaiian cuisine is definitely more than that.

Many people associate Hawaiian food with Poke, Kalua Pig and the classic Luau. Apparently, before these connotations came to life, the locals are into producing meals out of imported food and frozen products- a definite far cry from what this cuisine offers right now.

Hawaiian food is best described as original ‘fusion cuisine’ due to various influences coming from Europe and Asia. These people who come from various races and ethnic backgrounds, made Hawaiian cuisine multi-cultural.

From the American-style barbecued ribs to the Filipino-inspired Adobo and Pancit, one can truly say that serving Hawaiian food is like experiencing the world in parcels and sums.

Ingredients Utilized in Hawaiian Cuisine

Meat:

Pork, Beef, Chicken

Seafood:

Yellow fin tuna, Albacore tuna, Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Grouper, Red Snapper, Pink Snapper, Moonfish, Wahoo, Seaweed (Limukohu), Salmon

Vegetables:

Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Green Onions, Tomatoes

Fruits:

Breadfruit, Banana, Papaya

Root Crops and Nuts:

Taro, Coconut, Candle Nut, Polynesian Arrowroot, Sweet Potato, Kukui nuts

Spices:

Fish sauce, Fish paste, Soy sauce, Chili, Pepper, Five Spice, Wasabi, Teriyaki

Dairy:

Eggs, Milk, Cheese

This gastronomical journey won’t be complete without another popular food aptly called as Poke. This is a traditional dish that features raw fish or seafood. This is prepared by making use of chili peppers, seaweed, Kukui nuts and salt. And while this recipe is comparable to sashimi of the Japanese, Poke is a dish that the Hawaiians are truly proud of.

On the other hand, if you want to try other popular and traditional Hawaiian food, then Luau can be your greatest choice. Originally known as Pa’ina, this native treat represents a celebratory gathering featuring luau or taro. In this type of festivity, taro leaves are prepared and cooked using various ingredients like meat and seafood.

Another Hawaiian specialty is the Kalua pig, which is prepared using an underground pit oven or stove. You can also enjoy other popular recipes namely Haupia, which is a type of pudding and Lomi Salmon, a fish dish prepared with tomatoes and onions.

Authentic Hawaiian Recipes

Lau Lau

Recipe Source: allrecipes.com

Original Recipe Yield 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 pound salt butterfish, rinsed several times to remove excess salt
1/2 pound pork butt, cut into 1 inch cubes
4 boneless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt
8 leaves ti leaves
1 pound taro leaves

Directions

Season fish, pork and chicken with Hawaiian sea salt. Place 2 ti leaves in an X on a flat surface for each of the 4 servings.
Place 1/4 of each of the fish, pork and chicken onto the center of 3 or 4 taro leaves. Wrap securely with the taro leaves, then place each wrap on a set of ti leaves. Tie the ends of the ti leaves together with a piece of string.
Place the bundles in a large steamer, and steam for 3 to 4 hours.

Beef Teriyaki

Recipe Source: hawaiianrecipes.org

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 pound beef, cut in 1 inch cubes
* 1 15-ounce can pineapple chunks with juice
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
* 2 teaspoons sesame oil

PREPARATION:

Combine all ingredients, including liquid from pineapple, and marinate, covered and refrigerated, 3 hours. Thread beef and pineapple alternately on skewers. Discard leftover marinade. Broil about 8 minutes, turning once, until beef is cooked.

Image Credit: allrecipes.com

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