From Smoothies to Fries: Creative Ways to Incorporate Purple Yam into Your Meals 

Purple yam, commonly referred to as ube, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its distinctive characteristics and adaptability in various culinary applications. Boasting a vibrant purple hue and a delightful combination of sweetness and earthiness, this root vegetable has become an indispensable element in numerous cuisines. While traditionally associated with Filipino desserts, the versatility of ube extends far beyond that realm, offering an array of possibilities from early morning indulgences to delectable evening feasts. People unacquainted with this ingredient may find it overwhelming or unfamiliar, so this article aims to alleviate any apprehensions by providing a comprehensive guide on incorporating purple yam into meals, surpassing the confines of conventional desserts. Whether you seek to infuse your dishes with a captivating burst of color or embark on a culinary adventure exploring novel flavors, the following recipes and insights from Astoria Culinary Expert Services (Astoria-ACHI) will empower you to make the most of this remarkably versatile ingredient.  

Bake Ube into Bread

One innovative and delectable method to integrate ube into your culinary range is by incorporating it into bread recipes. The vivid purple color of the yam adds an aesthetically pleasing element to the bread, while imparting a subtly sweet and earthy taste. To begin, peel and cook the purple yam until it reaches a soft and mashable consistency. Proceed to mash the cooked yam until it achieves a smooth texture, and then blend it into your preferred bread dough recipe. Thoroughly knead the dough to ensure uniform distribution of the yam. Allow the dough to rise before following the baking instructions specified in the recipe. The outcome will be a visually striking purple bread that not only captivates the eye but also indulges the palate. Whether you enjoy it plain, paired with spreads, or toasted, this ube bread promises to be a distinctive and flavorful addition to your culinary creations. 

Food service providers like Astoria-ACES have also incorporated ube to bring new life to Filipino favorites like the popular Ube Cheese Deluxe Pandesal. This delightful merienda favorite contains three different premium cheeses that will surely make mouths water. For more info, you may visit https://purchase-astoriahotelsandresorts.com/product/ube-cheese-pandesal-9-pcs/   

Make Ube Smoothies

Image by Sare Julie via Unsplash

An innovative way to incorporate ube into your culinary repertoire is by crafting a refreshing smoothie. Begin by peeling and boiling the yam until it attains a tender consistency. After allowing it to cool, transfer the cooked yam to a blender. Introduce a cup of your preferred milk, such as almond or coconut milk, to the blender along with the ube. For added sweetness, consider including a ripe banana or a dollop of honey. Blend the ingredients until a smooth and velvety texture is achieved. If desired, augment the mixture with a handful of ice cubes for a chilled result. Serve the ube smoothie in a glass and relish this delightful and nutritious beverage that not only gratifies the palate but also imparts a wealth of essential vitamins and nutrients. 

Create a Gluten-free Cake

Another delicious way to utilize ube in your meals is by incorporating it into a gluten-free cake. To start, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for baking the cake. Peel and grate the purple yam, ensuring it is finely shredded. In a mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter or dairy-free alternative with sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add beaten eggs or egg substitute to the butter mixture and mix well. Next, slowly fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with additions of the shredded purple yam. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for the recommended time or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Once baked, allow the cake to cool before frosting or serving. The result will be a moist and flavorful gluten-free cake with a delightful purple hue, perfect for any occasion.

It won’t hurt your sweet tooth should you end up craving for something sweet such as Astoria Gourmet Take-aways’ Ube Macapuno Cake. The scrumptious blend of grated ube bits and coconuts topped with cream cheese mousse will surely make your day. Check it out here at https://purchase-astoriahotelsandresorts.com/product/ube-macapuno-cake/.

Cook Up Some Ube Fries 

Photo by Louis Hansel via Unsplash

A way to enhance the flavor of purple yam fries is by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. After cutting the yam into fry shapes, toss them in a bowl with a small amount of olive oil to coat them evenly. Then, spread the fries out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle them with a pinch of cinnamon for a warm and aromatic touch. Drizzle a small amount of honey over the fries to add a hint of sweetness. Bake the ube fries in a preheated oven at 425°F (218C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy and golden. The combination of the sweet honey and the warm cinnamon will create a delightful flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of ube.  

With these creative ideas, you can easily merge ube into your meals and add a delicious and nutritious touch to your dishes. Whether it’s in a savory dish like purple yam gnocchi, a sweet treat like ube ice cream, or a colorful addition to your breakfast smoothie, ube is a versatile ingredient full of health benefits.  

Astoria Culinary Expert Services (Astoria-ACES) is a leading provider of culinary expert services in the Philippines, specializing in delivering healthy and nutritious diets to either impress your event’s guests or enhance the productivity of your team in the workplace. Not only that, Astoria-ACES has also spearheaded the development of powdered ube for home and commercial use. We are proud to offer our expertise in an effective manner that supports optimal work performance. For further information, please contact the dedicated Astoria-ACES team at (+63) 908-876-1201 or reach out via email at inquire@astoria-aces.com.  

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