Ube bread (flower or braided bread)

Ube bread is a delightful and colorful Filipino bread that features purple yam, known as ube, as a key ingredient. Here’s a recipe for Ube Braided Bread:

Ingredients:

For the Ube Filling:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed purple yam (ube)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Bread Dough:

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

Ube Filling:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine mashed ube, coconut milk, condensed milk, butter, and sugar.
2. Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it cool.

Bread Dough:

1. In a bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface, incorporating more flour if needed, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).

Assembling:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts.
3. Roll each portion into a rectangle on a floured surface.
4. Spread the ube filling evenly over the rectangles.
5. Roll each rectangle into a log and then braid the two logs together.
6. Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the top with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

Optional: You can sprinkle sesame seeds or shredded coconut on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Allow the bread to cool before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Ube Braided Bread!