Delight in the comforting flavors of this Yams Recipe, a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this versatile root vegetable. Perfect for any occasion, this dish brings warmth and a touch of sweetness to your table.
Steps
1. Scrub, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds.
2. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine the sweet potatoes with dark brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, vanilla extract, butter, and thawed orange juice concentrate.
3. Stir the sweet potatoes until they are well-coated in the sugar and butter mixture.
4. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
5. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to simmer for about 50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Test the doneness by piercing a piece with a fork; if still firm, continue cooking.
7. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium.
8. Allow the cooking liquid to boil, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and forms a syrup that coats the yams, about 10 minutes.
9. Remove the pot from the stovetop and place it in the oven until ready to serve.
10. Serve the candied yams warm for the best flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes
- 3/4 cup dark or light brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 stick of butter
- 4 tablespoons thawed frozen orange juice concentrate
Nutritional Values
Calories: N/A | Total Fat:
N/A | Saturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol:
N/A | Sodium: N/A | Total Carbohydrates:
N/A | Dietary Fiber: N/A | Sugars:
N/A | Protein:
FAQ
- What are the primary ingredients used in Southern candied yams?
- The main ingredients include sweet potatoes, brown sugar, white sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and orange juice concentrate.
- Are sweet potatoes and yams the same vegetable?
- No, they are different. Sweet potatoes have smoother skin and orange flesh, while yams have rougher skin, are often larger, and contain more starch.
- Can I use regular orange juice instead of orange juice concentrate in the recipe?
- Yes, but the orange juice concentrate adds a more intense flavor to the dish.
- How should I prepare the sweet potatoes for candied yams?
- Peel and slice them into 1/2-inch rounds to ensure even cooking.
- What’s the best way to test if the yams are done cooking?
- You can test doneness by tasting a piece or using a fork to see if the yams can be easily pierced.
- Can I make candied yams in advance?
- Yes, they can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- How can I adjust the sweetness level of the candied yams?
- Start with less sugar and add more if desired. If it becomes too sweet, balance it with a bit of water or butter.
- What should I do if the syrup becomes too thick?
- You can thin it out by adding a small amount of water.
- Are there any tips for ensuring the yams don’t break apart during cooking?
- Stir carefully and avoid over-stirring to prevent the yams from breaking. Cutting them into uniform 1/2-inch slices helps maintain their shape.
- What are some other Southern dishes that pair well with candied yams?
- – Southern collard greens, sweet potato casserole, southern cornbread, and fried fish are great accompaniments.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: You can make candied yams up to three days ahead. Storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator enhances the flavors. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for smaller, thinner sweet potatoes for easier peeling and slicing. Larger potatoes work too but require more effort.
- Uniform Slicing: Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch rounds. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from breaking apart during the process.
- Monitor Doneness: To check if the yams are done, taste one. If it’s still firm, let it cook longer. They should be tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
- Handle with Care: After cooking, gently stir the yams into the sauce. Stirring too vigorously can cause them to break apart, though this won’t affect the taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, start with less sugar and add more if needed. You can balance excess sweetness by adding a bit of water or butter.
- Thicken or Thin the Syrup: If the syrup becomes too thick, thin it with a little water. Conversely, let it reduce more if it needs thickening.
- Enhance Flavor: Consider adding more vanilla extract as the yams are nearing completion to boost flavor.
- Serve Warm: These yams taste best when served warm, so ensure they’re heated through before serving.
- Double for Larger Groups: Easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people.