When it comes to cuisine, the Jewish holiday of Purim isn’t typically associated with pizza, but food writer, editor and recipe developer Liza Schoenfein (@lifedeathdinner) is here to change that. One of the lesser-known holidays, Purim celebrates the rescue of Jews in Persia (current day Iran), and people celebrate by making donations to those in need, drinking, and, of course, eating delicious food.

Enter Liza’s hamantaschen pizza, a savoury ode to the triangular cookies that are often served at Purim and filled with prune purée or poppy seeds. Their shape invoke either the hat, pockets, or ears of Haman, the chief minister of King Ahasuerus, who convinced him to execute all the Jews. (Luckily, Queen Esther got the King to cancel that order.) Inspired by the cookies, Liza created a savoury triangular-shaped pizza full of bold Mediterranean flavours and vibrant colours.

For the base, Liza uses a combination of tender caramelised onions, briny black olives and sweet and tart pomegranate seeds, which are chock full of symbology. (Originating in Persia, pomegranates symbolise wealth, fertility, life and death in many religions, including Judaism.) She then adds tangy feta, fresh parsley and mint for a pizza bursting with sweet-savoury-salty-sour goodness. 

So the next time you’re asked to bring a dish to Purim (or just want to break out of the confines of round pizza), you’ll want to try this savoury pie. And hey, if you’re feeling extra ambitious, add to that a dessert hamantaschen pizza with apricots, ginger and almonds. 

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