Ube Halaya: Moulded Purple Yam Jam with Coconut Milk
Inspired by techniques from Serious Eats.
Grated purple yam slowly cooked with coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar and butter until thick and glossy, then set in a mould and turned out.
Always check the labels of the products you use.
Method
- 1
Dry the ube. Cook the grated ube in the pan over medium-high heat for 3-4 min, stirring, until any excess water has evaporated and the colour deepens. Starting dry means less time stirring later.
- 2
Add the milks. Stir in the coconut milk, evaporated milk and sugar and bring to the boil. Turn down to a gentle simmer so it bubbles lazily rather than spits.
- 3
Stir patiently. Cook for about 30 min, scraping the base and corners every minute or so with the spatula, until thick and jammy. Constant scraping stops the milk sugars catching and scorching.
- 4
Enrich with butter. Add the 50 g butter and the salt and keep stirring over low heat for 10-15 min more. It is ready when deep violet and glossy and it pulls away from the pan as one mass.
- 5
Pack the mould. Butter the mould generously and pack in the hot halaya. Tap the mould firmly on the worktop to knock out air pockets, then smooth the base.
- 6
Chill and turn out. Cool, cover and chill for at least 3 h so it firms enough to hold its shape. Run a thin knife around the edge, turn out onto the plate and cut into slices or wedges.
Storage
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Equipment
- large non-stick or heavy saucepan or wok
- sturdy silicone spatula
- 600 ml fluted jelly mould or bowl
- serving plate
Nutrition per serving (estimated values)
| Per serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 299 kcal |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 34.1 g |
| of which sugars | 15.3 g |
| of which free sugars | 15 g |
| Fat | 17.8 g |
| of which saturates | 13.9 g |
| Fibre | 2.3 g |
| Salt | 0.18 g |
Protein per 100 kcal
1.1 g High Protein needs ≥ 10 g
Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values
