Bilo-bilo

A delightfully unique dish, bilo-bilo is an iconic staple throughout the Philippines. This delicacy has been enjoyed for generations by locals and visitors alike, delivering an irresistible mix of flavors that are sure to tantalize even the most discerning palate.

Bilo-bilo


The name "bilo-bilo" comes from the dense balls of tapioca-flour which comprise its base – a veritably delicious amalgamation of glutinous rice, sago pearls and sweet potatoes. These flavorful elements are combined with coconut milk, evaporated milk, and occasionally condensed milk for a lusciously smooth texture that’s sure to satiate.

As though the exquisite combination of ingredients wasn't enough, this delectable treat has a surprise ingredient in the form of ube, a vibrant purple yam native to Asia. Ube lends its distinctive flavor to the bilo-bilo and is an essential element as it adds a hint of sweetness and a beautiful array of colors to the finished product.

A truly unique pairing, this savory dish is typically served warm and topped with a generous dusting of toasted coconut shreds and taro leaves--though some enjoy the cooler variety, served cold and accompanied by a dollop of ice cream or a drizzle of honey.

An exquisite dessert or comfort food, bilo-bilo is a dish worthy of special occasions or simply days when you’re feeling a bit peckish. At once creamy and succulent, bilo-bilo is a must-try experience for any avid foodie.

Bilo-bilo recipes

Amazing Bilo-bilo recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Bilo-bilo

to describe it

Bilo-bilo, the cozy and creamy Filipino delicacy that warms our souls. It's a classic favorite in households throughout the country, but few are aware of its interesting origin story.

The dish dates back centuries ago to when the islands were still under Spanish rule. Food was hard to come by, so natives had to make do with whatever ingredients were available to them. This often included the small, chewy balls of pounded glutinous rice called bilo-bilo. As the name implies, “bilo” is derived from the Visayan term for “ball.” It normally has a slightly sweet flavor and a sticky texture.

Adding coconut milk to the mix provided an added layer of flavor and creaminess. Since these were two easy-to-find ingredients, they quickly became staples of the bilo-bilo dish. Honey or sugar may be added as a final touch, adding a touch of mellifluous sweetness to the mixture.

Today, the traditional bilo-bilo recipe remains largely unchanged, although variations have been made with different fruits, syrups and slurries. Although it is a simple dish, bilo-bilo has held its place in the culture for centuries. Its warm comfort resonates with people from all walks of life and provides a warm hug when enjoyed on a cold day. So next time you’re feeling the chill, be sure to give bilo-bilo a try and soak up its soul-warming goodness.

FAQs about Bilo-bilo

How do you make Bilo?

Bilo is a traditional Italian dessert made of layers of ricotta cheese, pastry dough and custard. To make Bilo, start by making the pastry dough. To do this, cream 2 cups of butter with 5 cups of all-purpose flour and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Once it is combined, add 4 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of salt and 2/3 cup of cold water until it forms a soft dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Next, prepare the ricotta cheese filling. Mix 2 pounds of ricotta cheese with 8 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

For the custard, whisk together 6 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 2 cups of milk. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it thickens. Set this aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter. Roll out the pastry dough and line the bottom of the pan with it. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pastry dough. Pour the cooled custard over and top with another layer of pastry dough. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool and then slice and serve.


Is bilo-bilo and Binignit the same?

No, they are not the same. Bilo-bilo is a Filipino dessert made with a combination of glutinous rice balls, sweet potato, and taro in a lightly sweetened coconut milk sauce. Binignit is also a Filipino dessert, but it is made with a different combination of ingredients, including sweet potatoes, taro, plantains, grated coconut, jackfruit, and sago pearls in a sweet syrup.


What is Ginataang Bilo Bilo made of?

Ginataang Bilo Bilo is a traditional Filipino dessert made of glutinous rice balls (bilo bilo) cooked in coconut milk (or coconut cream) and water with sugar, and other ingredients like taro root, sweet potato, cassava, and many variations of added fruits.


What is the meaning of bilo-bilo?

Bilo-bilo is a Filipino dessert made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and other ingredients such as tapioca balls, sweet potatoes, sago, jackfruit, mung beans, and bananas. It is typically served warm as a comfort food.


Types of Bilo-bilo

When it comes to classic dishes from the Philippines, bilo-bilo definitely stands out. This interesting dish is made with a traditional Filipino rice flour and is typically served as a savory snack or as a light meal. While there are some who believe that all bilo-bilo dishes are the same, there are actually several different varieties of this iconic dish.

For starters, there is the classic bilo-bilo which often contains some sort of sweetener added to it, such as sugar or honey. From there, you can find intriguing variations such as ube bilo-bilo (made with mashed purple yam) and pandan bilo-bilo (made with a green plant extract). Coconut milk may also be added to the mix to make the dish a little more indulgent.

Another popular iteration of bilo-bilo is called binignit, and it’s made with a number of ingredients including jackfruit, taro, sweet potatoes and tapioca pearls. This version of bilo-bilo is usually served as a dessert, often during Lent in the Philippines.

The next type of bilo-bilo is ginataan bilo-bilo, which is often referred to as sago con hielo. It consists of sago pearls, which are starch granules extracted from the trunk of a palm tree, cooked and mixed with coconut milk and small pieces of bilo-bilo. This version is usually served cold and topped with different flavors of ice or sorbet.

Finally, there’s kalamay bilo-bilo. This dish consists primarily of kalamay, a sticky glutinous rice cake, and bilo-bilo balls made from rice flour. It adds an interesting texture to the dish as well as a hint of sweetness.

Whether you’re looking for a savory snack or a light dessert, there’s a type of bilo-bilo that’s sure to satisfy any craving. So if you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to explore all the different varieties of this beloved Filipino dish!