Apricot-Ginger Hamantaschen Dessert Pizza

Purim is, perhaps, one of the lesser-known Jewish holidays, but for food writer, editor and recipe developer Liza Schoenfein (@lifedeathdinner), it deserves way more recognition. A culinary staple of Purim are the triangular cookies called hamantaschen, which are usually filled with prune purée or poppy seeds. Taking inspiration from those sweet treats, Liza came up with a triangular apricot-ginger hamantaschen pizza that’s a superb addition to any dessert table. 

Purim is a celebration of the rescue of Jews in Persia (current day Iran) and a time when people are encouraged to make donations to those in need, drink and share a meal. (Purim doesn’t fall on the same date each year; in 2024, the celebration takes place from the 23rd of March to the 24th of March.) The shape of the hamantaschen invoke either the hat, pockets or ears of Haman, the chief minister of King Ahasuerus, who convinced him to execute all Jews. (Luckily, Queen Esther got the King to cancel that order.) 

For the filling, Liza went the more traditional route with lekvar, a fruit filling from Central and Eastern Europe usually made from prunes or dried apricots. She opted for apricots and added candied ginger and a sprinkling of toasted almonds for extra depth of flavour. The final touch is purely visual – instead of a circular pizza, Liza folds the edges of the dough toward the middle to form a triangle as a nod to the shape of hamantaschen.

Sweet, slightly zingy and nutty, the next time you have a Purim gathering – or any jubilant occasion – this pizza will elevate your taste buds (and your dessert game!). And if you really want to impress, you can also make Liza’s savoury version with caramelised onions, olives, feta, and pomegranate seeds, which is wonderful as a main dish or appetiser.

Can’t get enough? Read more about the history of Purim and hamantaschen here

Apricot-Ginger Hamantaschen Dessert Pizza

Note

If you can’t find slivered almonds, feel free to use flaked almonds or substitute pistachios. 


For the dough

1. Melt the butter either in a small saucepan on the hob for about 45 seconds or in a microwave-safe container in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Let cool and set aside. 

2. In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the water, yeast and 5 grams of the sugar.

Stir well. 

3. If using a stand mixer: Add the plain flour, “00” flour, the remaining 50 grams of sugar and salt to the bowl.

If using a stand mixer: Add the plain flour, “00” flour, the remaining 50 grams of sugar and salt to the bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the yeast mixture to the flour. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are combined with the yeast mixture, about 1 to 2 minutes. With the mixer still running, add the melted butter. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix the dough at the same speed for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is firm and stretchy.

If mixing by hand: Add the plain flour, “00” flour, the remaining 50 grams of sugar, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the yeast mixture to the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are combined with the yeast mixture, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the melted butter. Add the eggs one at a time and continue mixing until well incorporated. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it is firm and stretchy. 

Tip: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle your hands with water or a little bit of oil to keep the dough from sticking as you knead.

4. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or cling film and leave to rise for 2 to 3 hours or until doubled in size.

 

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For the filling

1. Add the dried apricots, ginger, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, and apricot preserves to a medium saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil and stir gently. Lower the heat to low and let simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from the stovetop and let cool. Set aside until your dough is ready. 

For the assembly

1. Fire up your oven, aiming for 400 to 425 °C (750 to 800 °F) on your pizza stone.

You can check this quickly, accurately and from a safe distance with an infrared thermometer.

For the assembly

1. Fire up your oven, aiming for 400 to 425 °C (750 to 800 °F) on your pizza stone.

You can check this quickly, accurately and from a safe distance with an infrared thermometer.

2. Divide your dough into two equal balls of about 280 grams each, using a dough scraper and digital scale for accuracy.

Place a ball on a lightly floured surface, flour your hands and use your fingertips to press it into a small, flat disc. Working from the centre, push the dough outwards while spreading your fingers, making the disc bigger. Pick up the dough and gently pinch it around the edge, allowing gravity to pull it downwards into a circle with a 12-inch (30-centimetre) diameter. Transfer to a lightly floured peel. 

3. Working quickly, place a little less than 115 grams of the apricot filling onto the middle of the dough.

Spread it with a rubber spatula or the back of a large spoon, leaving a 2-inch (5-centimetre) edge.

Tip: If the filling feels too dense to spread, stir in a little warm water to loosen it first.

Apricot-Ginger Hamantaschen

4. To form a triangle, lift and fold three sides of the dough up and over the filling (leaving about 4 inches or 10 centimetres of the filling exposed).

Pinch the points of the triangle together gently but firmly to seal.  

5. Once your oven has reached temperature, turn the flame to low and slide the hamantaschen pizza off the peel and into your oven.

Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, using the peel to turn the pizza every 20 seconds or so to ensure an even bake. 

Tip: Move the pizza to the front-right part of the oven as needed to prevent burning while the dough cooks.


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6. Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with 6 grams of the slivered almonds, slice and serve.

Repeat the steps for the second hamantaschen pizza.