Ube, a vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines, has taken the world by storm with its unique flavor and stunning color. One of the most popular ube-based drinks is the ube latte, a delicious and Instagram-worthy beverage that has captured the hearts of many. Tous les Jours, a popular Korean-French bakery cafe, is famous for its ube latte, and in this article, we will guide you through the process of making a Tous les Jours-inspired ube latte at home.
Understanding Ube and Its Benefits
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at ube and its benefits. Ube is a type of yam that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and a vibrant purple color that makes it a popular ingredient in many desserts and drinks. Ube is also known for its potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system.
Choosing the Right Ube for Your Latte
When it comes to making an ube latte, choosing the right type of ube is crucial. There are several types of ube available, including fresh ube, ube powder, and ube extract. For this recipe, we recommend using ube powder or ube extract, as they are easier to work with and provide a more consistent flavor.
Ube Powder vs. Ube Extract: Which One to Use?
Ube powder and ube extract are both popular options for making ube latte, but they have some differences. Ube powder is made by drying and grinding fresh ube into a fine powder. It has a more subtle flavor and a deeper purple color. Ube extract, on the other hand, is made by extracting the flavor and color of ube using a solvent. It has a stronger flavor and a brighter purple color.
For this recipe, we recommend using ube powder, as it provides a more subtle flavor and a deeper purple color. However, if you prefer a stronger ube flavor, you can use ube extract instead.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make a Tous les Jours-inspired ube latte, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 tablespoons of ube powder (or 1 teaspoon of ube extract)
- 2 shots of espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 3-4 oz of milk (whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and ube halaya (optional)
Equipment needed:
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Milk frother or steam wand
- Blender or shaker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
Preparing the Ube Syrup
To make the ube syrup, combine the ube powder (or ube extract) and sugar in a small bowl. Add a small amount of hot water to the bowl and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Add the salt and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk until well combined.
Tips for Making the Perfect Ube Syrup
- Use high-quality ube powder or ube extract for the best flavor and color.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. Some people prefer their ube syrup less sweet, while others prefer it sweeter.
- Use a small amount of hot water to dissolve the sugar, as too much water can make the syrup too thin.
- Whisk the syrup well to ensure that the ube powder is fully dissolved and the syrup is smooth.
Assembling the Ube Latte
To assemble the ube latte, follow these steps:
- Brew two shots of espresso or make two cups of strong brewed coffee.
- Froth the milk using a milk frother or steam wand. You can also use a blender or shaker to froth the milk.
- Add the ube syrup to the milk and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the milk mixture into a large cup.
- Add the espresso or coffee to the cup.
- Top the latte with whipped cream and ube halaya, if desired.
Tips for Assembling the Perfect Ube Latte
- Use high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Froth the milk to the right consistency. You want the milk to be creamy and smooth, but not too thick.
- Adjust the amount of ube syrup to your taste. Some people prefer a stronger ube flavor, while others prefer a more subtle flavor.
- Use a large cup to showcase the beautiful purple color of the ube latte.
Conclusion
Making a Tous les Jours-inspired ube latte at home is easier than you think. With the right ingredients and equipment, you can create a delicious and Instagram-worthy drink that is sure to impress your friends and family. Remember to use high-quality ube powder or ube extract, adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, and froth the milk to the right consistency. With a little practice, you can create a perfect ube latte that rivals those found in cafes.
Experimenting with Different Flavors and Toppings
One of the best things about making ube latte at home is that you can experiment with different flavors and toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add a shot of coconut milk to give the latte a creamy and rich texture.
- Use different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version of the latte.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the latte a warm and spicy flavor.
- Top the latte with whipped cream and ube halaya, or use other toppings such as chocolate shavings or chopped nuts.
The possibilities are endless, and we encourage you to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your perfect ube latte.
What is Ube and why is it used in the Tous les Jours Ube Latte?
Ube is a type of yam that is native to the Philippines and is known for its vibrant purple color and sweet, nutty flavor. It is often used in desserts and drinks in Filipino cuisine, and has gained popularity worldwide for its unique taste and health benefits. In the Tous les Jours Ube Latte, ube is used to give the drink its distinctive flavor and color.
The use of ube in the Tous les Jours Ube Latte is a nod to the Filipino roots of the dessert. The drink is inspired by the traditional Filipino ube halaya, a sweet purple yam jam that is often served with steamed rice cakes or used as a topping for shaved ice. By incorporating ube into the latte, Tous les Jours is able to offer a unique and delicious twist on the traditional latte.
What ingredients do I need to make the Tous les Jours Ube Latte?
To make the Tous les Jours Ube Latte, you will need a few ingredients, including ube halaya, milk, espresso, sugar, and ice. You will also need a blender or milk frother to froth the milk and create a creamy texture. If you want to get fancy, you can also add whipped cream and ube syrup on top of the latte.
You can find ube halaya at most Asian grocery stores or online. If you can’t find ube halaya, you can also use ube powder or ube extract as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor and color may not be as vibrant as using ube halaya. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, and use different types of milk such as almond or soy milk if you prefer.
How do I make the ube syrup for the Tous les Jours Ube Latte?
To make the ube syrup, you will need to combine ube halaya, sugar, and water in a saucepan and heat it until the sugar dissolves. You can then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or sediment. The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and can be used to flavor the latte or as a topping for other desserts.
The ube syrup is an important component of the Tous les Jours Ube Latte, as it adds a deep and rich flavor to the drink. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, and also add other ingredients such as vanilla or coconut milk to the syrup to give it a unique flavor. The syrup can also be used as a topping for other desserts such as pancakes or waffles.
Can I use instant ube powder instead of ube halaya?
While instant ube powder can be used as a substitute for ube halaya, it may not have the same vibrant color and flavor as using ube halaya. Instant ube powder is often made from dehydrated ube and may contain added ingredients such as sugar or food coloring. However, it can still be used to make a delicious and flavorful latte.
If you do decide to use instant ube powder, make sure to follow the instructions on the package for the correct ratio of powder to liquid. You may also need to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, as instant ube powder can be quite sweet. Additionally, keep in mind that the flavor and color may not be as intense as using ube halaya.
How do I froth the milk for the Tous les Jours Ube Latte?
To froth the milk for the Tous les Jours Ube Latte, you can use a milk frother or a blender. Simply pour the milk into the frother or blender and froth until it becomes creamy and foamy. You can also add a little bit of sugar or ube syrup to the milk to give it a sweeter flavor.
If you don’t have a milk frother or blender, you can also froth the milk by heating it in a saucepan and whisking it until it becomes creamy. However, this method may not produce the same level of foam as using a milk frother or blender. You can also use a steam wand on an espresso machine to froth the milk, if you have one.
Can I make the Tous les Jours Ube Latte without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can make the Tous les Jours Ube Latte without an espresso machine. Simply brew a strong cup of coffee using a French press or drip coffee maker, and then use it as a substitute for the espresso. You can also use instant coffee or cold brew coffee as a substitute, although the flavor may not be as rich and intense.
Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the latte may be slightly different without an espresso machine. Espresso machines are able to produce a concentrated shot of coffee that is rich and intense, which is an important component of the Tous les Jours Ube Latte. However, you can still make a delicious and flavorful latte without one.
How do I store leftover ube halaya and ube syrup?
Leftover ube halaya can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, and can be frozen for up to 6 months. Simply scoop the ube halaya into an airtight container and store it in the fridge or freezer. You can also store leftover ube syrup in the fridge for up to a week, and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When storing leftover ube halaya and ube syrup, make sure to keep them in airtight containers to prevent contamination and spoilage. You can also label the containers with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long they have been stored.