Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish that will impress your guests? Look no further than this incredible Candied Yams Bruce's Recipe! This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations, and it's guaranteed to become one of your go-to dishes for holidays, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Forget those bland, boiled yams; this recipe delivers a sweet and savory explosion that perfectly balances the natural earthiness of the yams with a touch of warming spice. It's a truly delightful experience for your taste buds! This recipe offers healthy meals and delicious dishes while being incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds yams, peeled and cubed (about 6 medium yams)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, peel and cube your yams into roughly 1-inch pieces. Ensure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
-
Coat the Yams: Add the cubed yams to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sweet and spicy mixture. Make sure each yam piece is well-covered.
-
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the coated yams to a large baking dish. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even browning and caramelization. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the yams are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The yams should be fork-tender and beautifully browned on the edges.
-
Serve & Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the candied yams from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are fantastic as a side dish with roast chicken, turkey, ham, or even alongside your favorite vegetarian main course.
Tips for Candied Yam Success:
- Yam Selection: Choose firm, well-shaped yams for the best results. Avoid yams with bruises or soft spots.
- Even Cooking: Cut the yams into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish. This will help the yams caramelize properly and prevent steaming.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the candied yams before serving and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking. A squeeze of extra orange juice or a dash more cinnamon might enhance the flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Candied Yams: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Nutty Candied Yams: Toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and stir them into the yams during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Ginger Candied Yams: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your serving, but a typical serving contains roughly:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Fiber: 3-4g
This recipe makes for a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy the deliciousness!