Hawaiian Stack-up

Hawaiian Stack-up Recipe - A Tropical Delight from Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii, USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hawaiian Stack-up is a delicious and colorful dish that is perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. This dish is a combination of chicken, rice, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheese, all layered together to create a beautiful and flavorful stack.

History

The Hawaiian Stack-up recipe is inspired by the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, which typically consists of a protein, rice, and macaroni salad. This recipe takes those elements and adds a variety of other ingredients to create a unique and tasty dish.

Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth
2.5 to 3 cups cooked chicken cubes
2 small carrots, sliced and cooked until tender crisp
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
6 cups hot cooked rice
3 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 x 15.5 oz (439 g) can pineapple chunks, drained
3 ribs celery, sliced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 cup grated coconut, toasted
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup (4 oz (113 g)) shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup sliced green onions
0.5 cup chopped pimento

How to prepare

Combine condensed soup and broth in a large saucepan; stir to blend.
Add chicken, carrots, parsley, and pepper.
Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Place rice and chicken mixture in 2 separate serving bowls.
Place remaining ingredients in small individual dishes and allow guests to help themselves.
To serve, start with rice, add chicken, and then layer the other ingredients.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add in other fruits such as mango or papaya for a tropical twist.
Use different types of cheese or nuts for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and tender.

- Toasting the coconut and almonds adds a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to slice the vegetables and fruits thinly for easy layering.

- Allow guests to customize their stack-up by setting out individual dishes of the toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Stack-up with a side of macaroni salad or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the chicken in broth for added flavor and tenderness.

- Toast the coconut and almonds in a dry skillet until golden brown for a nutty flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken mixture and toppings ahead of time and assemble the stack-up just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl or individual serving dishes for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Hawaiian Stack-up with a tropical drink such as a piña colada or a fruity mocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover components of the stack-up separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken mixture before assembling the stack-up again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Hawaiian Stack-up contains around 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Hawaiian Stack-up is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the rice, pineapple, and vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the chicken, cheese, coconut, and almonds. Each serving contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the pineapple and vegetables. It also contains calcium from the cheese and almonds.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (cheese), nuts (almonds), and gluten (if using a cream of chicken soup with gluten). It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, the Hawaiian Stack-up is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

The Hawaiian Stack-up is a fun and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. With its colorful layers and variety of textures and flavors, it is a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old stack of cookbooks in the attic, looking for some inspiration for dinner. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a worn, yellowed piece of paper tucked in between the pages of a cookbook. It was a recipe for Hawaiian Stack-Up, a dish I had never heard of before.

Intrigued, I carefully extracted the paper and began to read the recipe. It called for layers of ham, pineapple, cheese, and a creamy sauce, all stacked together and baked until bubbly and golden brown. It sounded like a delicious and unique dish, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

As I read through the instructions, I noticed that there were no measurements listed for the ingredients. Instead, the recipe simply stated to "use what feels right." This intrigued me even more, as it reminded me of the way my own grandmother used to cook - relying on her instincts and intuition rather than strict measurements.

I decided to take a leap of faith and trust my own cooking instincts as I set out to make the Hawaiian Stack-Up. I gathered all the ingredients listed on the recipe - ham, pineapple, cheese, and a few other pantry staples - and set to work in the kitchen.

I began by slicing the ham into thin strips and sautéing them in a pan until they were slightly crispy around the edges. Next, I diced up the pineapple and grated the cheese, getting everything ready for the assembly process.

I started by layering the ham at the bottom of a baking dish, followed by a generous sprinkling of cheese and a drizzle of the creamy sauce. Then, I added a layer of pineapple and repeated the process until I had a tall stack of delicious ingredients.

As I popped the dish into the oven and waited for it to bake, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of ham, pineapple, and cheese mingling together. I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.

When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the Hawaiian Stack-Up out of the oven and my mouth watered at the sight before me. The cheese was bubbling and gooey, the ham was crispy and savory, and the pineapple added a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. It looked absolutely delicious.

I served up generous portions of the Hawaiian Stack-Up to my family, who eagerly dug in and savored each bite. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic at the same time.

From that moment on, the Hawaiian Stack-Up became a staple in our household. Whenever I made it, it brought back memories of that warm summer day in the attic when I had stumbled upon the recipe. It reminded me of my grandmother and her intuitive approach to cooking, and it inspired me to trust my own instincts in the kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the Hawaiian Stack-Up countless times, each time adding my own personal touch to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its unique and delicious flavors.

Now, as I sit down to write this story and share it with you, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The Hawaiian Stack-Up is more than just a recipe to me - it's a reminder of the joy and creativity that cooking can bring, and the way that food has the power to connect us to our past and bring us closer together.

I hope that you will give the Hawaiian Stack-Up a try and experience the same sense of warmth and nostalgia that it brings me. And remember, when you do, don't be afraid to trust your instincts and add your own personal touch - that's what truly makes a recipe your own.