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Easy Ube Dishes to Try

The vibrant purple hue of ube, a type of yam native to the Philippines, has taken the world by storm in recent years. Not only does it make for a stunning visual addition to any dish, but its unique flavor profile - often described as a combination of vanilla and sweet potato - has won over many hearts. If you're new to cooking with ube or looking for simple recipes to get started, this article will guide you through some easy and delicious ways to incorporate it into your meals.

ube Pancakes​

Start your day off right with a batch of fluffy ube pancakes. This recipe requires just a few ingredients, including:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon ube halaya (or substitute with a mixture of ube powder and water)

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another. Gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined - be careful not to overmix. Cook on a non-stick pan or griddle as you would regular pancakes. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruits or whipped cream.

ube Smoothie Bowl​

Transform your morning smoothie into a nutritious bowl by topping it with granola and fresh fruit. Here's how:

  • Combine 1 cup frozen ube, 1 banana, 1/2 cup almond milk, and 1 tablespoon honey in a blender.
  • Blend until smooth, then pour into a bowl.
  • Top with your favorite fruits, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries, and sprinkle with granola for crunch.

ube Ice Cream​

No list of easy ube dishes would be complete without a scoop (or two) of creamy ice cream. Try this simple recipe:

  • Combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon ube extract in a bowl.
  • Whip until stiff peaks form, then freeze according to your ice cream maker's instructions.

ube Cake​

For a show-stopping dessert, try baking an ube cake. This recipe requires:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in one bowl.
  • In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • Add ube halaya to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  • Pour into a greased and floured cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

ube Brownies​

Even the most devoted chocolate lovers will appreciate these rich, fudgy brownies infused with the subtle sweetness of ube. Here's what you need:

  • Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in one bowl.
  • In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
  • Add ube halaya to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  • Pour into a greased and floured cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.