Halo-Halo is one of those desserts that instantly transports me back to warm afternoons in the Philippines. The mix of sweetened beans, nata de coco, and caramelized bananas brings a comforting nostalgia, while the burst of ube ice cream on top feels like the ultimate indulgence. Each spoonful is a refreshing, flavorful adventure that always leaves me smiling.
Halo-Halo is a popular Filipino dessert with a delightful mix of textures and flavors, providing a refreshing and indulgent treat perfect for hot days.
Here’s a traditional Halo-Halo recipe, a popular Filipino dessert made with crushed ice, various sweet ingredients, and evaporated milk:
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice or crushed ice
- 1/2 cup sweetened red beans
- 1/2 cup sweetened white beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup coconut strips (macapuno)
- 1/2 cup jackfruit strips (langka)
- 1/2 cup sweetened saba banana (cooked and caramelized)
- 1/2 cup nata de coco (coconut gel)
- 1/2 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit)
- 1/2 cup sweetened purple yam (ube halaya)
- 1/4 cup leche flan (optional)
- 1/2 cup gulaman (jelly cubes)
- 2 tbsp cooked sago (tapioca pearls)
- 1/2 cup sweetened corn kernels
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 scoop ube ice cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Layer the ingredients: In a tall glass or bowl, start layering the ingredients. Begin with the sweetened beans, coconut strips, jackfruit, nata de coco, kaong, and sweetened saba bananas at the bottom.
- Add the shaved ice: Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice on top of the layers.
- Add more toppings: Top the ice with gulaman cubes, sweetened corn, and sago pearls.
- Pour the milk: Drizzle the evaporated milk over the shaved ice.
- Garnish: Add a spoonful of ube halaya, a slice of leche flan, and a scoop of ube ice cream on top for an indulgent touch.
- Serve: Serve immediately and mix everything together before enjoying!
This refreshing dessert is perfect for warm weather or as a sweet treat any time of year. If you haven’t tried Halo-Halo yet, you’re in for a treat!
