Say Aloha to Our Hawaiian-style Ham and Pineapple Pasta Recipe

Turn Your Kitchen into a Hawaiian Paradise

Welcome to an adventure that will whisk you and your taste buds to Hawaii’s scenic tropical paradise! Today, we’ll walk you through making a delicious pasta meal with ham and pineapple in the style of the Hawaiian Islands.

Americans’ love for Hawaii goes far beyond the stunning scenery. Because of the islands’ animal wildlife and promise of a carefree lifestyle, Hawaii has grown to be a popular travel destination because it provides the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. The state’s distinct culture, lively customs, and hospitable attitude have made a lasting impression on tourists. Hawaii is more than just a place to visit; it’s a way of life—embracing the aloha spirit—that we are connected to.

History of Hawaii

Let’s take a moment to admire Hawaii’s rich history before we get into the kitchen. Polynesians began to colonize the archipelago in the fourth century AD, yet Hawaii did not become the 50th state of the US until 1959. A unique identity has emerged as a result of the centuries-long fusion of indigenous Hawaiian culture with various influences. Hawaii’s past is intertwined into the very fabric of its people and their customs, from the energetic hula dance to the kind spirit of aloha. 

Diverse Hawaiian Cuisine

The history and diversity of the islands are reflected in the cuisine of Hawaii, which is a mashup of many influences. Hawaii’s culinary landscape is a harmonious combination of traditional Polynesian foods with the culinary contributions of Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino immigrants. Hawaiian cuisine emphasizes the use of local, fresh foods to highlight the bounty of fish, tropical fruits, and distinctive flavors that grow in the volcanic soil.

Famous Hawaiian foods include “Laulau,” a traditional dish of pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves, and “Poke,” a raw fish salad that’s frequently served as an appetizer. The popularity of spam musubi, a sushi-like dish made with rice and spam, demonstrates how American tastes have influenced regional cuisine.

Get ready to enjoy a plate full of Hawaiian paradise infused with the flavors of aloha! This meal can be eaten with candied pineapple on the side as an extra sweet treat or for dessert. It even goes well with a mulled pineapple punch to fully commit to the theme!

Ingredients

• 8 oz of penne pasta
• 1 cup of diced ham
• 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the linguine pasta in a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt until it reaches al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the diced ham until it’s lightly browned.
3. Add the fresh pineapple chunks and sliced red bell pepper to the pan, continuing to sauté until the pepper is tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
5. Pour the sauce over the ham and pineapple mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
6. Add the cooked linguine pasta to the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce.

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