Hawaiian Haystacks II

Hawaiian Haystacks II Recipe - A Delicious Fusion of Chinese and Hawaiian Cuisine

Region / culture: China, Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hawaiian Haystacks II is a delicious and colorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a combination of chicken, rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, Hawaiian Haystacks II is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Hawaiian Haystacks II is a variation of the classic Hawaiian Haystacks dish, which originated in Hawaii and has become a popular comfort food in many households. The dish typically consists of a bed of rice topped with a creamy chicken and vegetable mixture, along with a variety of toppings such as pineapple, almonds, and coconut. This version of the recipe adds a few extra ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken (either cook from fresh or use leftovers)
2 cups cream of chicken soup (combined with 1 cup of water)
0.5 cup celery, sliced
0.5 cup frozen or fresh peas (do not use canned)
1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
0.5 cup green onions, sliced (include greens)
0.5 cup dry chinese noodles
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
0.5 cup maraschino cherries
0.5 cup pineapple chunks (canned)
1 cup slivered almonds
0.25 cup shredded coconut
2 cups white rice, cooked
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a large pot, combine the cream of chicken soup and one cup of water. Stir until it resembles a thick gravy.
Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken by broiling, baking, or steaming. Cube it into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the cooked chicken cubes with the chicken soup mixture in the large pot.
(Add another can of cream of chicken soup and more water if there is not enough gravy to cover the chicken pieces).
Simmer this mixture while preparing the other ingredients and cooking the white rice. Note: Use Uncle Ben's Boil-In-A-Bag Rice, or cook long-grain rice from scratch by boiling for twenty minutes.
On a serving platter or in a large casserole dish, layer rice on the bottom.
Top with the chicken and gravy mixture, and then layer with celery, peas, carrots, green onions, maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and coconut.
Sprinkle Chinese noodles, slivered almonds, and cheese on the very top.
Reheat on the platter or in the baking dish in a microwave or oven until the food is hot. Serve.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots for extra crunch and flavor.
Use different types of cheese or nuts for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the sauce mixture.

- Use fresh or frozen peas instead of canned peas for a better texture and flavor.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences - you can add more or less of any ingredient.

- Make sure to simmer the sauce mixture until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Haystacks II can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty and flavorful dish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the sauce mixture.

- Simmer the sauce mixture until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency.

- Layer the ingredients in the serving dish for a visually appealing presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for the white rice for a lower-carb option.

- Use cashews or peanuts instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Hawaiian Haystacks II can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hawaiian Haystacks II in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional toppings for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Hawaiian Haystacks II pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or tropical fruit juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hawaiian Haystacks II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Haystacks II contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hawaiian Haystacks II contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the rice and vegetables in the dish.

Fats

Each serving of Hawaiian Haystacks II contains approximately 15 grams of fat. The fat content comes from the chicken, cheese, almonds, and coconut in the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Hawaiian Haystacks II contains approximately 25 grams of protein. The protein comes from the chicken and cheese in the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Hawaiian Haystacks II is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These essential vitamins and minerals come from the vegetables, fruits, and nuts in the dish.

Alergens

Hawaiian Haystacks II contains dairy (cheese), nuts (almonds), and wheat (Chinese noodles). It may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Hawaiian Haystacks II is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Hawaiian Haystacks II is a delicious and colorful dish that is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences. With a creamy chicken and vegetable mixture served over rice and topped with a variety of toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was during a trip to Hawaii with my husband many years ago. We were staying at a cozy bed and breakfast, and the innkeeper, a sweet elderly woman named Mrs. Jenkins, invited us to a potluck dinner with the other guests.

As we all gathered around the table, Mrs. Jenkins brought out a huge platter of what looked like the most delicious dish I had ever seen. She called it Hawaiian Haystacks II, and it was a colorful and flavorful combination of shredded chicken, rice, and a variety of toppings like pineapple, coconut, almonds, and crispy chow mein noodles.

I couldn't wait to try it, and as soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Mrs. Jenkins graciously shared her recipe with me, and I took notes as she walked me through each step.

Back home, I made Hawaiian Haystacks II for my family, and it quickly became a favorite. Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own twist with different seasoning blends and fresh ingredients.

One of the key components of the dish is the shredded chicken, which I marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking it in the slow cooker until it's tender and juicy. The rice is fluffy and fragrant, cooked in coconut milk for an extra tropical touch.

The toppings are what really make this dish special. I love to set up a little toppings bar with bowls of diced pineapple, shredded coconut, sliced almonds, and crispy chow mein noodles, so everyone can customize their Hawaiian Haystacks II to their liking.

As I cook this dish for my family and friends, I always think back to that magical evening in Hawaii, surrounded by new friends and delicious food. Mrs. Jenkins's recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, and I love sharing it with others.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit, and as she watched me prepare Hawaiian Haystacks II, she asked me how I learned to make it. I sat her down at the kitchen table and told her the story of Mrs. Jenkins and our trip to Hawaii.

I shared with her the importance of trying new things and learning from others, whether it's a recipe or a life lesson. Cooking is about so much more than just following instructions – it's about creativity, experimentation, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

I showed my granddaughter how to shred the chicken, cook the rice, and set up the toppings bar. Together, we laughed and chatted as we prepared the dish, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As we sat down to eat our Hawaiian Haystacks II, my granddaughter took a bite and smiled. "This is delicious, Grandma," she said. "I can't wait to make it for my friends."

And in that moment, I knew that the tradition of Hawaiian Haystacks II would live on, passed down from generation to generation, just like the love and laughter that fills our kitchen every time we cook together.