Preparing the Ingredients

• Prepare the gulaman according to package directions, but use less water than called for to achieve a firmer texture.
• You can either prepare the ingredients from scratch or use bottled halo-halo ingredients for convenience.

Optional Processes for Inngredients

Instructions for Homemade Sweetened Bananas

• Peel and slice the bananas into ½-inch pieces.
• In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
• Reduce heat, add sugar, and stir until dissolved.
• Carefully add the bananas to the saucepan.
• Simmer gently until the bananas soften and the liquid thickens (this should take 10-15 mins).
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Let the bananas cool slightly before adding them or refrigerate them for later use.

Instructions for Homemade Sweetened Red Mung Beans

• Rinse the red mung beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
• Soak the beans overnight in a bowl of water to soften them.
• Once soaked, drain the beans well.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked beans with enough fresh water to cover them completely.
• Add sugar to the saucepan and stir well.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the beans until tender and the liquid thickens into a syrupy consistency, about 30-40 minutes.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once done, remove from heat and let the sweetened red mung beans cool slightly before adding them.

Instructions for Homemade Sweetened White Beans

• Rinse the white beans under cold water in a colander and drain well.
• Transfer the rinsed beans to a saucepan and cover them with enough water to fully submerge them.
• Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer until the beans are tender, about 45 minutes to an hour.
• Once the beans are soft, add sugar to the saucepan. Stir until dissolved.
• Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and is mostly absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Let the sweetened white beans cool slightly before adding them.

Assembling the Halo-halo

• In a tall glass, start by adding about a teaspoon each of your desired add-ins, filling the glass about ⅓ full.
• Pack the glass with shaved ice.
• Drizzle evaporated milk over the ice.
• Top the ice with leche flan and a scoop of ice cream.
• Garnish with strips of macapuno and sprinkle with pinipig if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!