Preparing Purple Yams: Step-by-Step
Before you start cooking, proper preparation is key. Purple yams, or ube, must always be cooked, as they contain a naturally occurring plant toxin (dioscorin) that is eliminated through heating.
General Preparation Steps
- Wash thoroughly: Scrub the yams under running water with a vegetable brush to remove dirt.
- Do not peel (optional): The skin contains fiber and nutrients. If you choose to peel, do so after cooking for easier removal.
- Cube or leave whole: Depending on your recipe, you can cook the yams whole or chop them into smaller, evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Cooking Methods for Purple Yams
There are several popular ways to cook purple yams, each bringing out different textures and flavors.
Boiling and Mashing
- Boil: Place washed yams (whole or chopped) in a large pot and cover with water.
- Cook: Bring to a boil and cook until the yams are fork-tender. This usually takes 30-40 minutes for whole yams or 15-20 minutes for cubed ones.
- Mash: Drain and let the yams cool slightly. Peel the skin if desired, then mash with a fork or potato masher. For an extra creamy texture, use a food processor.
Baking or Roasting
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Prepare: Rub the washed yams with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake: Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 60-90 minutes, or until tender. If roasting cubes, cook for a shorter period, tossing halfway through.
Steaming
- Prepare: Place whole or cubed yams in a steamer basket over boiling water.
- Steam: Cook for 25-35 minutes for whole yams, or 10-15 minutes for cubes, until tender.
- Serve: Steaming is a great way to preserve nutrients and achieve a moist, delicate texture.
Sweet and Savory Purple Yam Recipes
Purple yams are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes.
Sweet Preparations (ube)
- Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam): A popular Filipino dessert made by mashing boiled ube with condensed milk, coconut milk, and butter. This rich, creamy jam can be eaten on its own or used as a filling for pastries and cakes.
- Ube Ice Cream: The jam-like halaya can be incorporated into an ice cream base for a visually stunning and delicious frozen treat.
- Cakes and Cupcakes: Mashed purple yam adds a beautiful color and moist, nutty flavor to baked goods.
Savory Preparations
- Roasted Side Dish: Toss roasted purple yam cubes with herbs like thyme and parsley for a simple yet flavorful side dish.
- Mashed Yam: Season mashed purple yams with butter, salt, and pepper for a colorful twist on mashed potatoes.
- Soups and Stews: Add chunks of boiled purple yam to hearty soups and stews. It will thicken the broth and add a subtle sweetness.
Purple Yam vs. Purple Sweet Potato
Though often confused, purple yams (ube) and purple sweet potatoes are different vegetables with distinct characteristics.
| Feature | Purple Yam (Ube) | Purple Sweet Potato |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Native to the Philippines and tropical Asia. | Originated in the Americas. |
| Appearance | Rough, bark-like, and typically brown-skinned. | Smoother, thinner skin, can be purple or reddish. |
| Flesh | Vivid violet to bright lavender. | Varies, but often a deep, dark purple. |
| Taste | Sweeter and more moist, with vanilla and pistachio notes. | Drier, starchier texture, with a mildly sweet and earthy flavor. |
| Texture | Moist and creamy when cooked. | Drier and starchier texture. |
Conclusion: Savor the Versatility of Purple Yams
From the vivid purple jam known as ube halaya to savory roasted sides, purple yams offer a unique and flavorful culinary experience. By understanding the proper preparation and cooking methods, you can unlock the full potential of this root vegetable. Whether you’re mashing, baking, or incorporating them into desserts, purple yams are a versatile ingredient that adds both vibrant color and a creamy, slightly sweet flavor to any dish. Their nutritional benefits, including high levels of antioxidants, also make them a healthy addition to your diet. So next time you see these colorful tubers, don't hesitate to experiment with the various cooking techniques and recipes outlined here to bring a touch of tropical flair to your table.
For more authentic Filipino dessert recipes using ube, check out this collection: Taste Atlas - Ube Halaya
Purple Yam Recipes and Ideas
Mashed Purple Yams
Key Takeaway: A simple, creamy side dish with a striking visual appeal. Serve with roasted chicken or pork.
Ube Halaya Jam
Key Takeaway: The classic Filipino dessert that is thick, sweet, and perfect for spreading on bread or serving with other desserts.
Baked Purple Yam Fries
Key Takeaway: A healthier alternative to regular fries, with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with dips.
Roasted Purple Yam Cubes
Key Takeaway: An easy and delicious side dish that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices for different flavor profiles.
Ube-Flavored Smoothies
Key Takeaway: A fun and healthy way to incorporate purple yams into your breakfast or snack routine. Combine cooked ube with milk and a sweetener.
Purple Yam Soup
Key Takeaway: A creamy and comforting soup base that uses boiled and pureed purple yams to create a rich texture and mild flavor.
Ube Pancakes or Waffles
Key Takeaway: Add mashed ube to your breakfast batter for a vibrant, flavorful start to your day.
FAQs About Purple Yams
Q: What is the difference between ube and purple sweet potato? A: While often confused, ube is a true yam with a rougher, bark-like skin and a sweeter, more moist texture with hints of vanilla and pistachio. Purple sweet potatoes have smoother skin, a drier texture, and a more earthy, starchy flavor.
Q: Can you eat purple yams raw? A: No, purple yams must be cooked before eating. They contain a naturally occurring plant toxin called dioscorin that is eliminated through the cooking process.
Q: How do you know when a purple yam is ripe? A: For a purple yam grown from a vine, the leaves yellow and wilt when it's ready for harvest, usually about 4-6 months after planting. For store-bought yams, look for firm, smooth skin without blemishes.
Q: What do purple yams taste like? A: Purple yams have a mildly sweet, nutty flavor often described as having hints of vanilla and pistachio. Their flavor is distinct from the earthier taste of purple sweet potatoes.
Q: Can you substitute ube for sweet potatoes in recipes? A: You can often substitute them, but be aware of the difference in texture and flavor. Ube is creamier and moister, while purple sweet potatoes are drier. You may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Q: Where can I find purple yams? A: Purple yams can be found at most Asian markets and specialty health food stores. You can also find ube in powdered form for convenience.
Q: What is the best way to store purple yams? A: Store uncooked purple yams in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area for a few weeks. Avoid the refrigerator, as the cold can negatively affect their taste and texture. Cooked yams should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Q: How do you peel purple yams? A: For easiest peeling, boil the yam first until tender. Once it has cooled, the skin will slip off easily. The vibrant purple pigments may stain your skin during peeling, so be cautious.
Q: Can I use ube extract instead of fresh purple yam? A: Yes, ube extract is commonly used in many dessert recipes to enhance the vibrant purple color and provide a concentrated flavor. It's a great shortcut for baked goods.
Q: Why does my purple yam turn green when I cook it? A: The anthocyanins in purple yams can react with baking soda (an alkaline ingredient) and cause them to turn green. To prevent this, avoid adding baking soda to recipes containing purple yams.
Q: Are purple yams healthy? A: Yes, purple yams are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, and are a great source of complex carbohydrates. The anthocyanins that give them their color are known for their antioxidant properties.
