Vegetarian Hawaiian Toast

Hawaiian Toast is a dish which I first came across in Germany a number of years ago. At the time, I did not know that it is actually of German invention - way back in the 1950's - and has nothing to do with Hawaii at all. I can only presume that it is the inclusion of pineapple, so associated with Hawaii, that earned it its name. Hawaiian toast is traditionally made by placing ham and pineapple on toast, melting cheese over the top and garnishing with a cherry. This is my own variation of the dish, designed for vegetarians but very much capable of being enjoyed every bit as much by omnivores.

Further vegetarian snack ideas can be found via the, "Useful Links," section towards the bottom of this page.

The elimination of the ham from the Hawaiian Toast means that the dish loses a little bit of bite. In order to combat this effect to at least some extent, egg is used to give the toast itself some extra body and a slice of tomato is added.

Ingredients

1 slice of bread

1 egg

1 ring of pineapple

1 slice of tomato

2oz grated cheddar cheese

Handful of fresh rocket leaves

Couple of basil leaves for garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

One of the biggest misconceptions harboured by non-vegetarians and criticisms which they levy against vegetarians is that a vegetarian diet is uninteresting, repetitive and boring. The reality of course is very different and the possibilities for dishes which can very effectively be incorporated in a vegetarian or vegan diet are endless. The fabulous book pictured to the right alone offers one thousand different recipes for vegetarians to enjoy - and share with their non-vegetarian friends and family...!

The egg should be cracked in to a wide bowl, seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper and beaten with a fork just until the yolk and albumin (egg white) are fully combined. A little sunflower or vegetable oil should then be added to a non-stick frying-pan and brought up to a medium heat. The bread should then be carefully drawn through the beaten egg so that it is fully coated on both sides and added to the frying-pan.

The bread should be fried for a couple of minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden colour and the egg is completely cooked. The pineapple ring should then be added to the centre of the bread and the tomato slice on top. The grated cheese should be carefully scattered over the top, further black pepper added and the frying-pan placed under a hot, overhead grill for about a minute, until the cheese melts and begins to bubble.

The fresh rocket leaves should be arranged as a bed on a plate and the Vegetarian Hawaiian Toast placed on top. The basil leaves should be used as a final garnish as shown and the dish served immediately.