Hamantaschen Pizza with Caramelised Onions, Olives, Feta and Pomegranate Seeds

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

Hamantaschen Pizza with Caramelised Onions, Olives, Feta and Pomegranate Seeds

Note

If you can’t find pomegranate molasses, substitute balsamic vinegar or red wine. And if you’re looking for alternatives, Liza suggests swapping pomegranates for pickled red onions and goat or blue cheese for the feta.

For the dough

1. In a small bowl or glass measuring jug, combine water, yeast and sugar.

Stir well. 

2. If using a stand mixer: Add the plain flour, “00” flour and salt to the bowl and 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 eggs one at a time. Add the olive oil. 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 and salt to a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Add the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring to incorporate. Add the olive oil. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is firm and stretchy.

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

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

For the filling

1. While the dough proofs, heat a large skillet over medium heat on the stovetop for 1 minute.

Add 37.5 grams of olive oil, followed by the sliced onions. Stir until they’re well-coated. Stir every few minutes, adjusting the heat to allow the onions to cook slowly and steadily without burning and become soft and brown, about 40 minutes. Add the pomegranate molasses, salt and pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up any onion that may have stuck to the pan. Remove from the heat and set aside. 

Caramelized Onions Hamantaschen

For the assembly

1. Fire up your oven, aiming for 400 to 425 °C (750 to 800 °F) on your baking 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 240 grams each, using a dough scraper and digital scale for accuracy.

Place a dough 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 about 540 grams of the onion mixture into 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. Scatter 17 grams of the olives and 14 grams of the feta on top of the onions.

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. 

Apricot-Ginger Hamantaschen

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 pie 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.


6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with 22 grams) of the pomegranate seeds, 1 tablespoon (6 grams) of the parsley and 1 tablespoon (6 grams) of the mint.

Slice, serve and enjoy. Repeat the steps for the second hamantaschen pizza.