Ube Pancakes: A Purple Dream

Posted on

Ube, the vibrant purple yam, has taken the culinary world by storm. Its unique color and sweet, nutty flavor have made it a beloved ingredient in desserts worldwide. Today, we’re taking this beloved tuber and transforming it into a breakfast masterpiece: Ube Halos.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup mashed ube
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk (for drizzling)
  • Fresh berries (for topping)
  • Maple syrup (for serving)

  • Preparation Process:

    1. Prep the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, egg, mashed ube, sugar, and vanilla extract.
    3. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
    4. Cook the pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
    5. Plate and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate. Drizzle with coconut milk, top with fresh berries, and serve with a side of maple syrup.

    Total Time Required: 30 minutes

    Serving Ideas:

    Tropical Paradise: Serve with a side of pineapple slices and a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

  • Berry Bliss: Top with a mixture of fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
  • Nutty Delight: Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes and chopped pecans.

  • Cultural Influences:

    Ube Halos is a fusion of Filipino and American culinary traditions. Ube, a staple ingredient in Filipino cuisine, adds a vibrant purple hue and a sweet, nutty flavor to the pancakes. The pancake itself, a classic American breakfast food, provides a light and fluffy base for the ube filling. By combining these two cultures, we create a dish that is both familiar and exotic.

    The result is a breakfast treat that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Each bite is a journey through flavors and cultures, a testament to the power of culinary fusion.