Filipino Ube Purple Yam Bread (Sugar-Free, Paleo)

Jump to Recipe

Ube, pronounced “oo-beh,” is a purple yam that is commonly used in Filipino cuisine and other Southeast Asian cuisines. It is also known as purple yam or Dioscorea alata in botanical terms. Ube is characterized by its vivid purple color, which comes from anthocyanins, natural pigments that also provide antioxidant properties.

Characteristics and Uses of Ube:

  1. Color and Appearance: Ube has a deep purple or lavender skin and vibrant purple flesh. When cooked, the flesh retains its bright color, making it visually appealing in dishes.
  2. Flavor: Ube has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor, which becomes more pronounced when cooked. Its taste is somewhat similar to sweet potatoes but with a distinct earthiness.
  3. Culinary Uses: In Filipino cuisine, ube is widely used in desserts such as Ube Halaya (a sweet pudding-like dessert), Ube Ice Cream, Ube Cake, and Ube Bread. It can also be boiled, steamed, mashed, or used as a flavoring in various dishes.
  4. Nutritional Benefits: Ube is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. It is also naturally gluten-free.
  5. Popularity: Ube has gained popularity beyond the Philippines, particularly in the United States and other countries where it is used in fusion desserts and pastries for its unique color and flavor.

Cultural Significance:

In Filipino culture, ube holds a special place as both a culinary ingredient and a symbol of Filipino identity. It is often associated with celebrations and festive occasions, where it is used to create colorful and delicious treats that are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Overall, ube is a versatile and distinctive ingredient that adds not only flavor and color but also cultural richness to Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisines. Its popularity continues to grow globally as more people discover and appreciate its unique qualities in various culinary creations.

Here’s a general overview of the carbohydrate content in ube:

The carbohydrate content in ube (purple yam) can vary slightly depending on its form (fresh, boiled, mashed, etc.) and serving size.

Fresh Ube (Purple Yam):

    • Carbohydrates: Approximately 27 grams of carbs per 100 grams of raw ube.
    • This includes both sugars (natural sugars) and dietary fiber.

    Boiled or Cooked Ube:

      • When ube is boiled or cooked, the carbohydrate content remains relatively similar to raw ube, as there isn’t significant loss of carbohydrates during cooking.

      Ube Products (e.g., Ube Halaya, Ube Jam, Ube Ice Cream):

        • The carbohydrate content in processed ube products can vary widely depending on added ingredients such as sugar, milk, and other flavorings.
        • Typically, commercial ube desserts like Ube Halaya or Ube Ice Cream can have higher carbohydrate content due to added sugars and dairy products.

        Considerations:

        • Net Carbs: If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, you may be more interested in net carbs (total carbs minus fiber). Ube contains dietary fiber, which can help mitigate the impact of its carbohydrate content on blood sugar levels.
        • Portion Size: The carbohydrate content can vary based on how much ube you consume. Small portions will naturally have fewer carbs compared to larger servings.
        • Preparation Methods: The way ube is prepared (e.g., boiled, mashed, processed into desserts) and what it’s paired with (e.g., added sugars, dairy) will affect its overall carbohydrate content.

        In summary, while ube is a nutritious and delicious ingredient, it is moderately high in carbohydrates. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and how ube is prepared if you’re monitoring your carbohydrate intake for dietary reasons.

        Here’s a recipe for Filipino Ube Purple Yam Bread:

        Filipino Ube Purple Yam Bread (Sugar-Free, Paleo)

        Ingredients

        • 1 cup grated fresh or frozen ube (purple yam)
        • 1/2 cup coconut flour
        • 1/4 cup almond flour
        • 1/4 cup erythritol (or any keto-friendly sweetener)
        • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
        • 1/4 cup coconut oil
        • 3 large eggs
        • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
        • 1 teaspoon baking powder
        • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
        • Pinch of salt

        Instructions

        1. Prepare the Ube

        If using fresh ube, peel and grate it. If using frozen grated ube, thaw it first.

        2. Preheat Oven

        Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

        3. Mix Dry Ingredients

        In a bowl, combine the coconut flour, almond flour, baking powder, erythritol, and salt.

        4. Mix Wet Ingredients

        In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, coconut oil, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract.

        5. Combine Mixtures

        Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.

        6. Add Ube

        Fold in the grated ube until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

        7. Bake

        Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

        8. Cool and Serve

        Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

        9. Optional Glaze (if desired)

        Mix together some powdered sweetener with a little almond milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.

        Enjoy your Paleo Filipino Ube Bread! It’s a delicious sugar-free twist on a classic Filipino flavor.