Violet Dawn Umami Pancakes with Chili Cloud Egg

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter or neutral oil
• 1 tsp ube extract (adjust for desired color and flavor)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 4 large eggs
• 2-3 tbsp chili crisp (with its oil)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (for frying eggs)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro or scallions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. **Prepare Miso Maple Syrup:** In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and white miso paste until completely smooth and combined. Set aside.
2. **Make Ube Pancake Batter:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, large egg, melted butter/oil, and ube extract until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; it's okay if there are a few lumps. Do not overmix.
4. **Cook Pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until bubbles appear on the surface, edges are set, and pancakes are golden brown and cooked through. Keep cooked pancakes warm while you finish the rest.
5. **Prepare Chili Cloud Eggs:** Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a small non-stick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully crack an egg into the hot oil. Immediately spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of chili crisp around the edges and over the whites of the egg. Cook until the whites are set and crispy at the edges, and the yolk is still runny (or cooked to your preference). Repeat for the remaining eggs, adding more oil as needed.
6. **Assemble:** Stack 2-3 warm Ube Pancakes on each serving plate. Top each stack with a Chili Cloud Egg. Drizzle generously with the Miso Maple Syrup. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or scallions. Serve immediately and enjoy the unique flavor fusion!