Ube Waffles with Avocado and Eggs: A Symphony of Color and Flavor

The first time I encountered ube in a waffle batter, it felt like discovering a culinary secret whispered from a vibrant, tropical corner of the world. I remember my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour, telling me stories of the Philippines, of food that painted plates with unexpected hues. She described the humble ube, a purple yam, not just as a vegetable, but as a canvas. This recipe is a tribute to that memory, a fusion that marries the comforting familiarity of avocado toast with the playful, satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked waffle. It’s a dish that doesn’t just feed the body, but also delights the eye and ignites the senses, a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 8 waffles
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Ube Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup mashed cooked purple sweet potato (also known as ube)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Topping:

• 2 medium avocados
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 fried eggs
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment Needed

• Waffle iron
• Two large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Fork
• Wire rack
• Small bowl (for mashing avocado)
• Small skillet (for frying eggs)

Instructions

To embark on this delightful culinary journey, begin by preparing the waffle batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Ensure these are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agent evenly.

In a separate, clean bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Gently whisk the large eggs, followed by the whole milk, the beautifully hued mashed cooked purple sweet potato (ube), and the vegetable oil. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The ube will lend a stunning, natural purple color to your batter.

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry components together. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir the ingredients until the mixture just comes together. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing at this stage; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and will result in a more tender waffle. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough waffles.

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it is greased properly. Once heated, pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron. A good starting point is to use about 1/3 cup of batter per waffle, but this can vary depending on the size and style of your waffle iron.

Cook the waffles until they are lightly golden and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on your waffle iron, so keep an eye on them and follow your appliance’s guidelines. The aroma of the ube as it cooks is truly intoxicating.

As the waffles finish cooking, transfer them to a wire rack to maintain their crispiness. To keep them warm while you prepare the toppings and cook the remaining waffles, place them in a preheated oven set to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). This gentle warmth will prevent them from becoming soggy.

While the waffles are being kept warm, prepare the luscious avocado topping. Scoop the flesh of the medium avocados into a medium bowl. Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or make it smoother, depending on your preference. Stir in the fresh lime juice, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. The lime juice not only adds a bright, zesty flavor but also helps prevent the avocado from browning.

Now comes the moment of assembly! To assemble the waffles, place a cooked ube waffle on each plate. Top each waffle generously with a portion of the mashed avocado. Then, carefully place a fried egg atop the avocado. For the finishing touches, sprinkle each waffle with a little more crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, a scattering of the thinly sliced red onion for a bit of sharpness, the crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang, and a final flourish of chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately and savor the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Perfect Ube Mash: Ensure your cooked purple sweet potato is mashed very smoothly. Any large lumps can affect the batter’s consistency and the final waffle texture. You can even pass it through a sieve for an extra-smooth result.
• Waffle Iron Mastery: If your waffle iron tends to stick, don’t be afraid to add a little extra oil or cooking spray to the grid before pouring the batter, even if it says non-stick.
• Crispy Waffles: The key to crispy waffles is not overcrowding the waffle iron and allowing them sufficient time to cook until golden. The oven warming step is also crucial for maintaining crispness.
• Egg Perfection: Fry your eggs to your preferred doneness. A runny yolk can add an extra layer of richness to the dish as it oozes over the waffle and avocado.
• Make-Ahead Ube: Cook and mash your ube ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making the waffle batter prep much quicker on the day of serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Ube Waffles with Avocado and Eggs are best enjoyed fresh off the waffle iron, with the avocado still vibrant and the eggs perfectly cooked. Serve them as a beautiful brunch or a hearty breakfast. For an attractive presentation, ensure the toppings are artfully arranged on each waffle.

Leftovers of the cooked waffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, though they will lose some of their crispiness. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 300°F (150°C) is ideal to help restore some of their crispiness. The avocado topping is best made fresh, as it can brown quickly. If you have any leftover mashed avocado, you can press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure and refrigerate for a few hours, but it’s unlikely to stay as fresh as when first prepared. Fried eggs should always be consumed immediately after cooking.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	724.7 kcal
Calories from Fat	360 g	50 %
Total Fat	40.1 g	61 %
Saturated Fat	9.8 g	49 %
Cholesterol	389.5 mg	129 %
Sodium	1240.6 mg	51 %
Total Carbohydrate	68 g	22 %
Dietary Fiber	8.8 g	35 %
Sugars	10.1 g	40 %
Protein	25.5 g	51 %

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Delight: To make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs in the waffle batter with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk such as almond milk or soy milk. For the topping, omit the fried eggs and consider adding pan-fried tofu or tempeh, and skip the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in both the avocado mash and as a final sprinkle. You could also add a finely diced jalapeño to the avocado mixture.
• Herbaceous Twist: While parsley is fantastic, consider other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a different flavor profile in the avocado topping.
• Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions can add an interesting textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor to the finished dish.
• Cheesy Alternative: If feta cheese isn’t your preference, crumbled goat cheese or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese could offer a different savory dimension.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh ube instead of pre-cooked purple sweet potato?
A: Absolutely! You’ll need to cook the fresh ube first. Boiling or steaming until fork-tender is recommended. Once cooked, drain any excess water and mash it thoroughly before adding it to the batter.

Q: My waffles are not turning golden brown. What could be wrong?
A: Ensure your waffle iron is preheated sufficiently and adequately greased. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder can affect browning and lift.

Q: Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the batter just before cooking for the best texture. However, if you must, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few hours, but you might need to add a splash more milk if it thickens too much.

Q: Is it necessary to keep the cooked waffles warm in the oven?
A: While not strictly mandatory, keeping the waffles warm in a low oven is highly recommended. It prevents them from becoming soggy while you finish the rest of the batch and prepare the toppings.

Q: How can I get my fried eggs with runny yolks consistently?
A: Use fresh eggs and cook them over medium heat. Cook just until the whites are set, but the yolk remains liquid. Gently slide them off the pan to avoid breaking the yolk.

Final Thoughts

This Ube Waffle creation is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore the delightful possibilities that arise when culinary traditions and bold flavors meet. The striking visual appeal of the purple waffles, paired with the creamy avocado and rich egg, makes this a dish that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up any brunch or breakfast table, and I encourage you to give it a try. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the toppings to make it uniquely yours. I’d love to hear how your Ube Waffles turn out! Perhaps you’ll discover your own personal connection to this vibrant dish.