Fluffy Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling – Filipino Favorite

A Journey to Filipino Cuisine: The History of Pandesal

Pandesal, the humble bread roll, has been a staple in Filipino households for centuries. It traces its roots back to the Spanish colonial era when wheat was first introduced to the Philippines. The word "pandesal" is derived from "pan de sal," which translates to "bread of salt" in Spanish. Though the recipe has evolved over time, pandesal remains an essential part of Filipino breakfasts and snacks.

The Purple Yam: Ube

Ube, or purple yam, is a unique ingredient native to the Philippines. It has a naturally vibrant purple hue and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor that makes it perfect for both savory dishes and desserts.

Ube Pandesal: A Modern Twist

In recent years, Filipino bakers have experimented with different flavors and fillings for pandesal, resulting in a wide variety of innovative creations. Ube Pandesal is one such invention, combining the classic pandesal with the sweet and earthy flavor of purple yam.

Ingredients

• 600 grams / 4 1/4 cup first-class bread flour
• 75 grams/ 6 tablespoons sugar
• 275 grams / about 1 1/8 cups fresh milk
• 2 whole eggs
• 85 grams/ 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 12 grams / 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
• 5 grams/ 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons ube extract

Feel free to use chunks of cheese wrapped in this dough to make Cheesey Ube Pandesal

Let's Get Baking: Preparation and Cooking

Step by Step Guide

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add the milk, mixing well to form a dough.
3. Add the eggs, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
4. Mix until the dough starts to form gluten and begins to pull from the bottom of the bowl if using a stand mixer.
5. Add the butter or margarine, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. If working in a very hot environment, use a few ice cubes to bring the dough temperature to around 22°C.
7. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
8. Place the dough balls onto a lined baking tray, allowing room for expansion.
9. Allow the dough to rise for approximately 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
10. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
11. Bake the pandesal for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
12. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ube Pandesal

• Make sure your yeast is fresh and active; otherwise, your dough won't rise properly.
• Use a kitchen scale to ensure accurate measurements for the best results.
• For a softer crust, brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
• To keep your pandesal fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're having trouble finding liquid ube flavoring, you can use ube powder or ube halaya (jam) as alternatives. Just adjust the amount of liquid accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.

Complementary Dishes and Sides

Ube Pandesal pairs well with a variety of spreads and fillings, such as butter, cream cheese, or coconut jam. You can also enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Nutrition Information

This recipe yields 36 servings, with each serving weighing approximately 32 grams. Nutrition values are estimates per serving and can vary based on ingredient brands and fillings.

• Calories: 155
• Fat: 4.6g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 24.8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 4.4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after shaping it into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking tray and freeze them for an hour. Then, transfer them into an airtight container or a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to bake, let the dough thaw at room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture of your pandesal might be slightly different. Bread flour has a higher protein content, resulting in a more elastic and chewy texture.

How long will the ube pandesal last?

Ube Pandesal can last for up to 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, they are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked.

Is ube the same as purple sweet potato?

No, ube and purple sweet potato are different. While both have a vibrant purple color, ube has a distinct earthy and subtly sweet flavor compared to the sweet and starchy taste of purple sweet potatoes.

Can I add other fillings to my ube pandesal?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Some popular options include cheese, chocolate, or even ube halaya (jam) for an extra burst of ube flavor.

The Final Bite: Ube Pandesal

Ube Pandesal is a delightful fusion of traditional Filipino pandesal and the unique flavor of ube. This versatile bread roll is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a base for sandwiches. Enjoy the rich, earthy taste of purple yam as you sink your teeth into these soft and fluffy bread rolls. Happy baking!