Authentic Ube Halaya Jam Recipe

This recipe begins by steaming or boiling whole fresh or frozen ube until tender, then peeling and roughly chopping. The cooked ube is blended with evaporated milk, coconut milk, condensed milk, and sugar to a smooth consistency before simmering in a pot. The mixture cooks slowly over medium-low heat for about 40-45 minutes, stirred constantly to prevent sticking and burning.

The cooking process thickens the jam until it achieves the desired consistency and exhibits a vibrant purple hue. Vanilla extract, lemon juice, butter, and salt are added to balance sweetness and enhance flavor complexity. The jam is rich, creamy, and naturally sweetened from the condensed milk and yam.

Ube Halaya can be served as a dessert topping, eaten as a spread, or incorporated into various Filipino sweet dishes. The recipe allows freezing the cooked ube ahead, facilitating advance preparation.