Purple yams, officially known as ubes, are a common ingredient in Filipino cuisines. These yams are actually purple in color and are used in all sorts of recipes. They have even been known to make a nice looking purple colored cake.
Many yam aficionados will tell you that true Philippine ubes have a darker skin than the so-called purple yams that are available in the United States.
Yams are not potatoes and should not be confused with purple Peruvian potatoes that are available at some grocery stores and farm stands.
One of the most common Filipino ube recipes is Halayang Ube or Purple Yam Jam. It is made from ube powder, milk, condensed milk, egg yolks, and butter.
Ube balls are also common. This dish consists of condensed milk, ube puree, cornstarch and water. The condensed milk and the ube are heated over low heat, until they are somewhat lukewarm.
At that point, cornstarch and purple food coloring are added. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir constantly. The mixture is ready to chill when it separates from the pan.
Once the ube mixture has completely cooled, shape into small balls. Roll in sugar and wrap tightly in plastic wrap to store.
Other uses of ube yams in Filipino food are as an ingredient in cakes, cupcakes, and the Halo-Halo drink.
Filipino food is an exotic cuisine highly appreciated in many parts of the world and ube yam is one of the ingredients that differentiates Filipino food from other cuisines in the region.
