Easy One-Pan Sausage and Peppers with Onions (30-Minute Meal)

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How to Make Easy Ube Halaya (Filipino Purple Yam Jam)

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Creamy Ube Halaya in jars

Image Source: The Unlikely Baker

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Learn how to make rich, creamy, and vibrant Ube Halaya from scratch! This traditional Filipino purple yam jam is a labor of love that transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable dessert. As a chef at Tasty Trends Recipes, I've perfected this easy ube halaya recipe that balances authentic flavor with approachable techniques for home cooks.

Ube halaya is more than just a sweet spread - it's a cultural icon in Philippine cuisine. The striking violet hue comes from naturally pigmented purple yams, while coconut milk and butter create its signature velvety texture. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as cake filling, or enjoy it straight from the jar, this easy ube halaya recipe will become your new obsession.

What Makes Ube Halaya Special

Ube halaya (pronounced oo-beh ha-la-yah) is a cornerstone of Filipino merienda (snack time) culture. Its origins trace back to Spanish colonial times when native ingredients were adapted to European dessert techniques. What makes this version special is our simplified from-scratch method that skips artificial shortcuts while delivering maximum flavor.

Beyond its eye-catching color, ube offers nutritional benefits too. These tubers contain anthocyanins (potent antioxidants) and are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Our recipe keeps added sugars moderate while letting the natural sweetness of ube shine through.

Ingredients

For the best easy ube halaya from scratch, you'll need:

  • 500g fresh ube (purple yam) - Look for firm tubers with vibrant color (Asian markets often carry them)
  • 400ml coconut milk - Full-fat for richest texture
  • 1 cup evaporated milk - Adds creaminess without wateriness
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar - Adjust to taste
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter - For richness and sheen
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract - Enhances the natural sweetness
  • Pinch of salt - Balances the sweetness

CHEF'S NOTES:

Can't find fresh ube? You can substitute with 300g of frozen grated ube or 250g of ube powder (adjust liquids accordingly). For vegan ube halaya, use coconut oil instead of butter and replace evaporated milk with coconut cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ube: Wash and peel the ube. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Steam for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
    CHEF'S TIP: Steaming preserves more nutrients and vibrant color than boiling. Test doneness by pressing a cube between your fingers - it should mash easily.
  2. Mash the Ube: While still warm, mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth. For ultra-smooth texture, pass through a fine-mesh sieve or use a food processor.
  3. Cook the Base: In a heavy-bottomed pan (preferably non-stick), melt butter over medium-low heat. Add mashed ube and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Combine Liquids: Gradually add coconut milk and evaporated milk, stirring continuously. The mixture will be loose at first but will thicken as it cooks.
    AVOID COMMON MISTAKE: Adding all liquid at once can cause separation. Slow incorporation ensures even absorption.
  5. Sweeten and Season: Add sugar ¼ cup at a time, tasting as you go. Stir in vanilla and salt. Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  6. Test Doneness: The halaya is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and holds its shape when you drag a spoon through it. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  7. Final Touch: Remove from heat and transfer to clean jars or containers. Smooth the top with a buttered spoon or spatula to create a glossy finish.

Expert Tips & Variations

MASTER CHEF TECHNIQUES:

  • For richer flavor, toast the sugar slightly before adding (just until fragrant)
  • Add a pandan leaf while cooking for a traditional floral aroma (remove before storing)
  • To intensify purple color without artificial dyes, add a pinch of butterfly pea flower powder

Variations to Try:

  • Ube Macapuno Halaya: Fold in ½ cup sweetened macapuno (coconut sport) at the end
  • Cheese-Topped Version: Sprinkle grated cheddar or queso de bola on warm halaya
  • Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled halaya and lightly marble

Storage Tips:

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge before using). The halaya may darken slightly with storage - this is natural oxidation and doesn't affect taste.

Nutritional Information (per ¼ cup serving)

Calories: 180 | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g

This easy ube halaya recipe provides a good source of potassium (about 8% DV) and vitamin C (10% DV). The purple yams contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation, while coconut milk offers medium-chain triglycerides for sustained energy.

Serving Suggestions

Ube halaya is incredibly versatile. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it:

  • Spread on toast or pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) for breakfast
  • Layer in parfaits with coconut whipped cream and granola
  • Use as filling for hopia (pastries) or ensaymada (brioche)
  • Swirl into ice cream base before churning
  • Top warm bibingka (rice cakes) for a decadent dessert

CHEF'S PAIRING TIP: Serve with warm tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate) or cold glass of calamansi juice for perfect flavor contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ube extract in this recipe?

While fresh ube is ideal, you can use 1-2 tsp of ube flavor extract if you can't find fresh or frozen ube. The extract enhances color and aroma but won't provide the same depth as real yam.

Why is my ube halaya turning brown?

Slight darkening is normal as anthocyanins (the purple pigments) oxidize. To minimize this, avoid cooking at too high heat and store in airtight containers. Adding a splash of lemon juice can help preserve color.

How do I fix lumpy ube halaya?

If you encounter lumps, simply pass the cooked mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or blend briefly with an immersion blender. For future batches, make sure to mash the ube thoroughly while still warm.

Conclusion

Now that you've mastered this easy ube halaya recipe from scratch, you'll understand why it's treasured in Filipino culture. The process may require patience, but the result - jars of velvety, aromatic purple yam jam - is absolutely worth it.

At Tasty Trends Recipes, we believe food should be both delicious and meaningful. This ube halaya isn't just a dessert; it's a connection to tradition, a celebration of natural ingredients, and proof that simple techniques can create extraordinary flavors. Try this recipe today and discover your new favorite sweet spread!

Did you make this recipe? Tag @TastyTrendsRecipes on social media and share your beautiful purple creations!