Ube Halaya Recipe - Creamy Filipino Purple Yam Jam
YUMMY KITCHEN
A creamy, sweet Filipino dessert made with purple yam, condensed milk, coconut milk, sugar, butter and vanilla. This homemade ube halaya is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as a topping for your favorite Filipino desserts.
Boil the Yam: Place the cubed purple yam in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender.
Drain and Cool: Drain the yam thoroughly and let it cool until comfortable to handle.
Blend: Blend the cooked yam with the coconut milk until smooth. Work in batches if needed.
Strain: Pass the mixture through a strainer to remove lumps and fibrous pieces.
Combine: Transfer the mixture to a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the condensed milk and sugar, then mix well.
Cook: Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring continuously and scraping the bottom and sides to prevent burning.
Add Flavorings: Add the butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
Thicken: Continue cooking and stirring for another 10–15 minutes, or until thick and beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Transfer and Cool: Place the halaya in lightly greased molds or containers. Smooth the surface and let it cool before covering and refrigerating.
Serve: Enjoy on its own or add grated cheese or latik before serving.
Notes
Smooth texture: Blend the cooked yam thoroughly and strain it before cooking.
Adjust sweetness: Condensed milk already contains sugar, so reduce the white sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
Prevent burning: Stir continuously, especially as the mixture thickens. Use a heavy-bottomed pan and lower the heat if necessary.
Optional ube extract: Add a small amount if you want a stronger ube aroma or deeper purple color.
Toppings: Grated cheese and latik are popular choices.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within approximately 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container and thaw in the refrigerator.