Ube Halaya with a Haute Cuisine Twist

Ingredients

In this haute cuisine adaptation, the traditional Ube Halaya is transformed into a more refined and sophisticated dessert. The original recipe is elevated by incorporating delicate techniques, such as tempering the ube to achieve a smoother texture, and adding unique flavor combinations to enhance the overall taste profile. The presentation is also elevated, with careful attention to plating and garnishing, creating a visually stunning dish that is sure to impress. We alse have the original recipe for Ube halaya, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ube (purple yam), peeled and grated 500g (1.1 lb) ube (purple yam), peeled and grated
• 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• 200g (7 oz) condensed milk 200g (7 oz) condensed milk
• 100g (3.5 oz) granulated sugar 100g (3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Edible flowers, for garnish (optional) Edible flowers, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pan, combine the grated ube, coconut milk, condensed milk, sugar, butter, and salt.
2. 2.
   Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
3. 3.
   Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish or individual serving bowls.
4. 4.
   Smooth the surface with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature.
5. 5.
   Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
6. 6.
   To serve, garnish with edible flowers if desired. Cut into squares or scoop into individual bowls.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ube (purple yam) — Make sure to peel and grate the ube before starting the recipe. If fresh ube is not available, you can use frozen grated ube, which is often found in Asian grocery stores.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more luxurious twist, infuse the coconut milk with vanilla bean or pandan leaves before adding it to the mixture.
• To achieve a smoother texture, pass the cooked mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before transferring it to the baking dish.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as toasted coconut flakes, crushed pistachios, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added elegance.

Serving advice

Serve the Ube Halaya chilled for the best flavor and texture. It can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful dessert or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Presentation advice

To create an elegant presentation, cut the Ube Halaya into neat squares and arrange them on a dessert plate. Garnish with edible flowers for a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.