I recently decided to make my own pearls at home. Although I’ve been indulging in bubble tea delivery to satisfy my cravings, there’s something special about crafting pearls by hand. Unlike the popular brown sugar pearls, Purple Yam Pearls (or Ube Pearls) offer a healthier and simpler alternative. I love pairing these vibrant pearls with milk, complemented by fresh purple yam bits. This recipe is not only 100% successful but also family-friendly, making it a delightful activity to do while watching TV in the evening.

What is Purple Yam?

Purple yam, also known as ube, is a root vegetable native to Southeast Asia. It has a vivid purple color and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor. Unlike regular yams or sweet potatoes, purple yams are often used in desserts and sweet treats due to their unique taste and striking color. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them not only a visually appealing ingredient but also a nutritious one. Purple yams can be found in various forms, including fresh, powdered, or as a paste, and are commonly used in Filipino cuisine.

Exploring Different Types of Purple Yam

To add a twist to my pearl-making adventure, I decided to compare two types of purple yam: regular purple yam and Hawaiian purple yam. The results were fascinating, revealing distinct differences in texture and sweetness.

Hawaiian Purple Yam:

• More difficult to find, but worth the search.
• Fragrant with a vibrant purple color.
• Naturally sweeter and delightful on its own.

Regular Purple Yam:

• Commonly available in supermarkets.
• Dark purple in color and not as sweet.
• Versatile and inexpensive, great for baking or eating as is.

Key Ingredients of Purple Yam Pearls

• Purple yam (either regular or Hawaiian)
• Tapioca starch
• Optional: Sugar

How to make purple yam Pearls?

The process of making the pearls was both enjoyable and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting these delicious pearls at home:

1. Preparation:
   • Cook the Purple Yam: Peel and dice the yam, then steam until tender.
   • Mash the Yam: Mash the cooked yam until smooth. For Hawaiian purple yam, no sugar is needed. For regular purple yam, add a teaspoon of sugar to enhance sweetness.
2. Making the Dough: Mix the mashed yam with tapioca starch. Knead the dough until it reaches a smooth, pliable consistency.
3. Forming the Pearls: Roll the dough into small balls to create the pearls. Dust the pearls lightly with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
4. Cooking the Pearls:
   • Boil water in a large pot.
   • Add the pearls to the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface and become translucent.
   • Remove the pearls and place them in an ice bath to maintain their chewy texture.

Enjoying Two Different Experiences

The results were beyond my expectations. For the Hawaiian purple yam pearls, I refrained from adding any additional sugar, relying on the natural sweetness and robust flavor of the yam itself. The pearls emerged with a subtle sweetness and a pronounced purple yam aroma, boasting a softer yet delightfully chewy texture.

In contrast, for the regular purple yam pearls, I incorporated a teaspoon of sugar into the mashed purple yam to intensify its sweetness. The pearls exhibited a deeper color and a bouncy, chewy texture, complemented by a robust, earthy flavor typical of purple yam.

I found pleasure in both varieties of pearls, each offering a unique sensory journey. The Hawaiian Purple Yam Pearls delighted with their natural sweetness and fragrant aroma, while the Regular Purple Yam Pearls impressed with their earthy richness and chewy texture. Whether you prefer a sweeter, aromatic pearl or a hearty, earthy bite, these homemade pearls promise to elevate your bubble tea experience, providing a delightful twist to your favorite beverage cravings.

2-Ingredient Purple Yam Pearls (Ube Pearls)

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Taiwanese

Servings 2 cups

Equipment

• Steamer rack
• Rolling Pin

Ingredients

  

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Purple Yam Pearls

• 150 g fresh purple yam
• 1-2 tsp sugar optional
• 30 g tapioca starch/flour if you want even bouncier texture, can increase up to 40g

Purple Yam Milk Cap

• 80 g whipping cream
• 5 g sugar
• 1 g salt
• 20 g mashed purple yam
• 40 mL milk

Instructions

 

To prepare Purple Yam Pearls:

• Peel the purple yam and cut it into pieces for easier cooking.
• Place the chopped yam in a bowl and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce through.
• Mash the steamed yam using a fork and mix in sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness).
• Measure out 100g of the mashed yam and gradually add 1/3 of the tapioca starch at a time, kneading until fully incorporated. If the dough is too dry, add water by the teaspoon. The dough should be non-sticky, as the yam’s moisture should suffice—add water only if necessary.
• Prepare a bowl with 2 tsp of tapioca starch and set it aside.
• Roll small portions of the dough into balls using your fingers. Place each ball in the prepared bowl to prevent sticking. Repeat until all the dough is used.
• Boil a pot of water and add the pearls, boiling for 1-2 minutes until they float.
• Transfer the cooked pearls to an ice water bath for a bouncy and chewy texture.
• Serve the pearls with milk and ice.

To prepare Purple Yam Milk Cap:

• In a bowl, whisk together whipping cream, sugar, and salt until it starts to thicken.
• Add mashed purple yam and milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is light and runny.
• Add the desired amount on top of your drink. Enjoy!

Video

Keyword Bubble Tea, Purple Yam

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