If you are looking for a refreshing and delicious dessert to beat the heat, you should try halo-halo, the ultimate Filipino dessert. Halo-halo, which means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, is a cold dessert made of shaved ice, milk, and various ingredients that add sweetness, color, and texture. It is a popular treat in the Philippines, especially during the summer months, when the temperature can soar above 40 degrees Celsius. Halo-halo is not only a dessert, but also a representation of the diverse and rich culture of the Philippines, as it combines influences from different cuisines and regions.
What are the ingredients of halo-halo?
There is no definitive recipe for halo-halo, as different regions and households have their own preferences and variations. However, some of the common ingredients are:
- Shaved ice: The base of the dessert, which provides the cooling effect and the crunch. You can use a blender, a food processor, or a manual ice shaver to make the shaved ice.
- Milk: The liquid that binds the ingredients together and adds creaminess and sweetness. You can use evaporated milk, fresh milk, or coconut milk, depending on your taste and availability.
- Sweetened beans: A layer of cooked beans, such as red beans, mung beans, or chickpeas, that are sweetened with sugar or syrup. They add a chewy and nutty texture and flavor to the dessert.
- Fruits: A variety of fruits, either fresh or preserved, that add color and sweetness to the dessert. Some of the common fruits are jackfruit, coconut, banana, mango, and sugar palm fruit. You can also use canned fruit cocktail or fruit preserves for convenience.
- Gelatin: Cubes of gelatin, either made from agar-agar or powdered jelly mix, that add a soft and bouncy texture and flavor to the dessert. You can use different colors and flavors of gelatin, such as green, red, or coconut.
- Tapioca pearls: Small balls of starch, either white or colored, that are cooked in water and sugar until soft and translucent. They add a chewy and gummy texture and flavor to the dessert.
- Ube: A purple yam that is cooked and mashed into a paste or jam. It adds a vibrant purple color and a sweet and earthy flavor to the dessert. You can also use ube ice cream or ube halaya, a sweetened ube jam, as a topping.
- Leche flan: A custard made of eggs, milk, and sugar that is cooked in a mold and inverted onto a plate. It adds a smooth and rich texture and flavor to the dessert. You can also use caramel custard or flan as a substitute.
- Ice cream: A scoop of ice cream that is placed on top of the dessert as a final touch. You can use any flavor of ice cream, but the most common ones are ube, mango, or vanilla.
- Pinipig: Pounded and toasted rice flakes that are sprinkled on top of the dessert as a garnish. They add a crispy and nutty texture and flavor to the dessert. You can also use rice crispies or corn flakes as a substitute.
How to make halo-halo?
Making halo-halo is easy and fun, as you can customize it according to your preferences and availability of ingredients. Here are the basic steps to make halo-halo:
- Prepare the ingredients: Cook the beans, fruits, gelatin, and tapioca pearls according to their respective instructions. You can also make your own ube jam, leche flan, and pinipig, or buy them ready-made from the store. Chill the ingredients in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Assemble the dessert: In a tall glass or a bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order: beans, fruits, gelatin, tapioca pearls, ube, and leche flan. You can adjust the amount and the order of the ingredients as you like. Fill the glass or the bowl with shaved ice, leaving some space at the top. Pour the milk over the shaved ice, making sure to cover all the ingredients. Top with a scoop of ice cream and sprinkle with pinipig.
- Enjoy the dessert: Mix the ingredients well with a long spoon until they are well combined. Enjoy the dessert with a spoon, savoring the different flavors and textures.
Halo-halo is a dessert that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. It is a dessert that celebrates the diversity and richness of the Filipino culture, as well as the creativity and adaptability of the Filipino people. Halo-halo is more than just a dessert, it is a way of life.