Love ice cream? Here's how to make it even better
What's the story
The purple yam, or ube as it's called, is a brilliant root vegetable hailing from Southeast Asia. Its vibrant hue and sweet, nutty taste make it the perfect secret weapon for vegan ice cream. This article shares five delicious ways to incorporate purple yam into vegan ice cream, adding a unique spin to classic flavors.
Coconut fusion
Ube and coconut cream delight
Mix boiled or steamed purple yam with coconut cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt for a luxurious, tropical taste. Blend until you get a smooth paste and freeze it for a minimum of four hours. This not only intensifies the creamy texture but also deepens the flavor of the ice cream, making it a truly special treat.
Swirl technique
Swirls of purple magic
For those who appreciate both beauty and taste, swirling purple yam into vegan ice cream is a culinary delight. Begin with a vanilla base using cashew or almond milk. Once prepared, gently fold in purple yam paste to create swirls just before freezing. By not fully blending them, you'll create a gorgeous and tasty interplay of flavors.
Nutty addition
Crunchy ube almond crunch
Adding a bit of crunch to your ice cream can take the whole experience to the next level. Toasted almonds provide a delicious contrast to the creamy ube-infused ice cream base. Stir finely chopped toasted almonds into your purple yam mixture before freezing it solid. The combination of creamy ube and crunchy almonds creates a satisfying contrast that enhances the overall flavor.
Citrus twist
Zesty lemon ube fusion
Adding lemon zest to your purple yam ice cream brings a vibrant citrus twist that cuts through the sweetness just right. Simply blend your boiled or steamed purple yam with your preferred plant-based milk and sweetener, then stir in some finely grated lemon zest before churning and freezing the mixture. This zesty addition not only livens up each bite but also enhances ube's natural flavors.
Spice it up
Spiced ube sensation
If you like a little extra something-something in your sweets, try adding a dash of spice! Cinnamon or nutmeg can really make the flavors of purple yam pop. Just toss in a teaspoon of either ground cinnamon or nutmeg when you're making your ube puree for the ice cream base. These spices add a cozy warmth and subtle depth, complementing ube's distinct flavor without stealing the show.