Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Today, we're making a truly delightful and surprisingly easy dessert: homemade Ube ice cream! This vibrant purple ice cream, made with the unique Filipino ube (purple yam), boasts a naturally sweet and subtly nutty flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to the Philippines. Forget those store-bought versions; this recipe delivers a creamy, intensely flavorful ice cream experience perfect for a hot summer day or a special occasion. This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or healthy meals with a delicious twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cooked and mashed ube (about 2 medium-sized ube)
Instructions:
Get started: Before you begin, make sure your ube is cooked and thoroughly mashed. You can boil or steam the ube until tender, then peel and mash it using a fork or potato masher.
Step 1: Combining the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. This is a crucial step for a smooth and creamy ice cream.
Step 2: Adding the ube and condensed milk: Gently stir in the mashed ube and sweetened condensed milk. Make sure everything is well combined for an even distribution of color and flavor throughout the ice cream.
Step 3: Churning the ice cream: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Hardening the ice cream: Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully harden. This allows the ice cream to reach its optimal texture.
Tips for the Best Ube Ice Cream:
- Use high-quality ube: The flavor of your ice cream will be directly impacted by the quality of the ube you use. Look for fresh, vibrant ube for the best results.
- Don't over-mash the ube: While you want the ube to be smooth, avoid over-mashing it, as it can lead to a slightly gummy texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the amount of sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
- Add mix-ins: Get creative! Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, ube halaya (ube jam), or even chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Vegan Ube Ice Cream: Substitute the dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives such as coconut milk and coconut cream. You may need to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- Ube Ice Cream with Coconut Milk: Enhance the creamy texture and add a subtle coconut flavor by partially substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving of this Ube ice cream would contain roughly:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
This homemade Ube ice cream recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Enjoy the creamy, vibrant purple goodness! This easy recipe is perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, proving homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated.