Hawaiian meals consist of meats, vegetables and sweet desserts.
Polynesians and Marquesas are believed to be the first inhabitants of Hawaii, 1,500 years ago. Hawaii became the 50th state of America in 1959. The modern Hawaiian economy thrives from pineapple plantations. Natives of the Hawaiian islands preserve their identity in authentic Hawaiian meals.
Appetizers
Pineapple cheese balls consist of cream cheese, blue cheese, crushed pineapple, green peppers and walnuts. All of the ingredients are rolled into a ball and refrigerated overnight. Rumaki is also a common appetizer in Hawaii. Bacon slices are wrapped around water chestnuts and pineapple chunks held together with a toothpick, and teriyaki sauce is poured over top. Rumaki is broiled in the oven for a few minutes and served hot.
Entr es
Some popular entrees in Hawaii include butterfly chicken, Hawaiian chicken salad and barbecued mahi mahi with orange mango sauce. Macadamia mahi mahi are fillets seasoned with salt, pepper, butter and lemon juice. The fish is sprinkled with macadamia nuts and baked until they brown. Kilauea purple passion rice is served as a side dish. The rice recipe includes grape juice, chicken bouillon cubes, butter and toasted almonds.
Desserts
Hawaiian desserts include banana guava pie, chocolate mochi, carrot pineapple cake and caramel cuts. A Hawaiian almond float includes gelatin, sugar, milk, almond extract, peach slices, lychees and maraschino cherries. The gelatin is prepared and cut into diamond shapes for fruit drinks. Haupia is another dessert of frozen coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch and water. The mixture cooks over low heat and then firms in a square pan for serving.
Luau
A luau is a festive occasion in Hawaiian culture. A staple meal of a Hawaiian luau is the kalua pig. Three lbs. of pork butt, 1 tsp. of liquid smoke and 2 tsp. of Hawaiian salt are used to coat the pig in a large roasting pan. The pork roasts in the oven for two to three hours before serving. Side dishes may include macadamia nut crusted coconut shrimp, baked fish and chicken long rice.
Tags: Hawaiian meals, mahi mahi
