Halo-Halo Recipe

After a Filipino dinner, this is the dessert I make when I want something festive without turning on the stove. This easy halo-halo comes together in 15 minutes and serves four generously, with sweet beans, coconut gel, jackfruit, shaved ice, and a scoop of ube ice cream in every glass. The combination is especially satisfying because the ingredients bring such different textures: creamy ice cream, chewy coconut gel, tender jackfruit, and the soft, slightly grainy bite of sweet beans. I usually use tall, clear glasses so the layers can be seen, but any deep serving glass works. Divide the sweet beans, coconut gel, and jackfruit among the glasses, then add the shaved ice, piling it high enough to hold the ube ice cream. Place half a cup of ube ice cream on top of each serving, then pour over the evaporated milk mixed with the sugar. The milk slips down through the ice and fruit, softening everything just enough without making the dessert soupy right away. Ube ice cream is important here: its earthy vanilla-like sweetness rounds out the bright fruit and gives the whole mixture a distinctly Filipino character. The main challenge is keeping the shaved ice cold while you assemble the glasses. Drain the coconut gel and jackfruit well before layering; extra syrup melts the ice quickly and can make the bottom overly sweet. I also chill the glasses and evaporated milk for a little while beforehand, and I shave or scoop the ice only when everything else is ready. If your sweet beans are packed in syrup, give them a quick drain but do not rinse them, since that removes the sweetness and changes their soft texture. Two tablespoons of sugar is enough for the milk in this version, especially with sweetened beans and ice cream, so resist adding more until you have tasted a mixed spoonful. Serve halo-halo immediately, with long spoons so everyone can reach the fruit and beans at the bottom. Traditionally, each person mixes the layers before eating, turning the neat stack into a creamy, icy blend; it may look less tidy, but that is when the flavors come together. It is a refreshing finish to grilled pork, fried chicken, pancit, or a savory meal with steamed rice, and it is also welcome at a warm afternoon gathering. If you are serving it after dinner, assemble the glasses at the table rather than ahead of time so the ice stays crisp and the ube ice cream keeps its shape.