Recipe - Ube Milk Bread

Here's a recipe for Ube Milk Bread, a delicious, soft, and sweet bread infused with the vibrant purple color and flavor of ube (purple yam). This recipe makes a fluffy loaf that's perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ube Milk Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Tangzhong (Starter):

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 tablespoons whole milk

For the Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups bread flour

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup whole milk, lukewarm

• ¼ cup ube halaya (ube jam) or ube extract (adjust for flavor and color)

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Extra butter for greasing

Instructions:

1. Make the Tangzhong:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the flour, water, and milk for the tangzhong.

2. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a paste (about 3-5 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Add the lukewarm milk, cooled tangzhong, ube halaya or extract, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Add the softened butter to the dough and continue kneading for another 5-10 minutes until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is soft and pliable.

3. First Rise:

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

2. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shaping the Dough:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.

2. Divide the dough into 3 or 4 equal portions and shape them into balls or roll them into logs.

3. Place the shaped dough pieces into a greased loaf pan, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until doubled.

5. Bake the Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Brush the top of the dough with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water or milk) for a glossy finish.

3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

4. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your soft, fluffy Ube Milk Bread with butter, jam, or just on its own!