Delicious Homemade Ube Jam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

1 kilogram of grated ube (purple yam)
2 cans (approximately 800 grams) of condensed milk
2 cans (approximately 800 grams) of evaporated milk
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of food coloring (optional)

Steps and instructions

Start by peeling and grating the ube. Make sure to grate it as finely as possible.
In a large, deep pot, combine the grated ube, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sugar.
Stir the mixture well until everything is fully combined. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously.
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue to stir. Be careful to not let it burn.
Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens. This should take about 2 to 3 hours.
When the mixture is thick enough, add the butter and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
If you want to enhance the color of your ube jam, you can add a bit of food coloring at this point. Just add enough to achieve your desired color.
Once the jam is done, allow it to cool before transferring it to jars. Make sure the jars are clean and dry before you add the jam.
Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator. The jam should keep for about 2 weeks.

Tools for making

Grater - Used to grate the ube into fine pieces.
Large, deep pot - Needed to cook and simmer the ube jam mixture.
Stirring spoon - Used to mix and stir the ingredients as they cook.
Measuring cups - Required to accurately measure the amount of sugar, butter, and other ingredients.
Can opener - Needed to open the cans of condensed milk and evaporated milk.
Knife - Used to peel and prepare the ube before grating.
Cooking timer - Optional, but helpful to keep track of cooking time.
Food coloring dropper - Optional, for adding food coloring to enhance the color of the jam.
Jars - Needed for storing the finished ube jam.

Recipe variations

Adding coconut milk: Instead of using evaporated milk, you can substitute it with coconut milk for a richer and creamier flavor.
Using purple sweet potatoes: If you can't find ube, you can try using purple sweet potatoes as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Adding nuts: For some added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts such as macadamia nuts or cashews into the jam before transferring it to jars.
Infusing flavors: Experiment with different flavor infusions by adding ingredients like pandan leaves, cinnamon sticks, or cardamom pods to the mixture while cooking.
Reduced sugar: If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar used or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Ube halaya cake: Instead of serving the jam on its own, you can use it as a filling or topping for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.
Adding grated cheese: A popular variation is to sprinkle grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, on top of the jam for a unique and savory-sweet combination.
Ube ice cream: Transform the ube jam into a frozen treat by churning it into an ice cream base. You can follow an ice cream recipe and swirl in the jam during the freezing process.

Recipe overview

Ube jam, also known as purple yam jam, is a popular dessert in the Philippines. Known for its vibrant purple color and sweet, unique flavor, it's a delicious treat that's sure to impress. This recipe uses a simple combination of grated ube, condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and a hint of vanilla extract. It's a labor of love, as it requires continuous stirring for 2-3 hours to achieve the perfect, creamy consistency. But the end result is worth it, and you'll have a homemade jam that's a step above store-bought. Whether you're using it as a spread, a topping, or eating it straight out of the jar, this homemade ube jam is sure to be a hit.

Common questions

Can I use frozen grated ube instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen grated ube for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using.
Can I substitute condensed milk with another type of milk? Condensed milk adds sweetness and thickness to the jam, so it is best to use it. However, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can substitute it with coconut milk or regular milk, but the texture and taste may differ.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, if you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Adjust it to your taste, keeping in mind that sugar also contributes to the preservation of the jam.
Can I store the jam at room temperature? It is recommended to store the ube jam in the refrigerator to ensure it stays fresh for a longer period. This will help maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
Can I freeze the jam? Yes, you can freeze the ube jam. Just make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags and leave some space for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
How long will the jam last? When stored properly in the refrigerator, the ube jam can last for about 2 weeks. It's always a good idea to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and combine the ingredients.
Large Deep Pot - A pot with a capacity large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for stirring without spilling.
Grater - To grate the ube into fine pieces.
Wooden Spoon - Ideal for stirring the mixture as it cooks to prevent sticking and burning.
Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the sugar, butter, and other ingredients.
Vanilla Extract - Provides flavor to the ube jam.
Food Coloring (optional) - If you want to enhance the color of the ube jam, food coloring can be used.
Jars - Clean and dry jars to store the ube jam once it has cooled.

Origin stories

Ube jam, also known as "ube halaya", is a beloved and vibrant dessert in the Philippines. Its origins can be traced back to the province of Bohol, known for its abundance of ube or purple yam. The sweet, earthy flavors of the ube are preserved and amplified in the jam, which is typically served during fiestas and other special occasions, making it a true celebration of Filipino culinary tradition. It is also a common ingredient in other Filipino desserts, including halo-halo, a popular mixed dessert that is a veritable fiesta in a bowl. Over the years, the popularity of ube jam has crossed borders, and it is now enjoyed by food lovers all around the world, who are drawn to its unique taste and striking purple hue.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.