Description
Sweet potato lovers rejoice as Southern Candied Yams deliver pure comfort on a plate. Caramelized golden slices glazed with brown sugar and cinnamon promise a mouthwatering side dish that connects family and tradition with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
Fats and Liquids:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Carefully peel sweet potatoes and slice into consistent half-inch medallions, ensuring uniform thickness for balanced cooking and caramelization.
- Select a large skillet or deep baking vessel that allows yams to rest in a single layer without overcrowding, promoting even heat distribution.
- Craft a luxurious syrup by melting butter over medium flame, gradually incorporating granulated and brown sugars, creating a rich caramel base.
- Enhance the syrup with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, whisking continuously to prevent sugar crystallization and develop a complex flavor profile.
- Add water to the sugar mixture, stirring until ingredients meld into a smooth, glossy liquid with a slightly thickened consistency.
- Remove syrup from heat and introduce vanilla extract, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse the caramel with depth and warmth.
- Gently cascade the spiced syrup over yam slices, ensuring each piece receives an even, luxurious coating.
- For stovetop preparation, cover the skillet and simmer on low heat, periodically rotating yams to prevent sticking and promote uniform caramelization.
- Alternatively, for oven method, shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a steamy environment that tenderizes the yams.
- Bake or simmer until yams transform into tender, glistening morsels with a deep amber glaze, approximately 35-45 minutes.
- During final cooking stage, uncover to allow syrup to reduce and develop a slightly crisp, caramelized exterior.
- Allow candied yams to rest briefly, permitting the syrup to stabilize and intensify in flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- Slice yams uniformly to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Opt for fresh, firm yams with smooth skin to ensure the best texture and sweetness in your final dish.
- Reduce sugar content by substituting some granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more complex flavor profile.
- Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before serving, adding crunch and healthy fats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 49 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg