Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish to elevate your holiday meals or weeknight dinners? Look no further! This candied yams Karo syrup recipe is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its rich, sweet, and subtly savory flavors. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike. This recipe provides a comforting, homemade touch that's far superior to anything you'd find in a can. Get ready to experience the ultimate in sweet potato perfection!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup Karo light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Prep the Yams: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cube the yams into roughly 1-inch pieces. Ensure they're relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
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Melt the Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter. You can do this quickly in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the Karo light corn syrup, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt to the melted butter. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
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Coat the Yams: Add the cubed yams to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sweet and spiced syrup. Make sure all the yam pieces are well-covered.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the coated yams to a large baking dish. Spread them out in a single layer for even browning and caramelization. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the yams are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. The timing may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the yam cubes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the yams are cooked through and nicely browned, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These candied yams are delicious as a side dish with roast chicken, turkey, ham, or any other savory main course.
Cooking Tips for the Best Candied Yams:
- Yam Variety: You can use any type of sweet potato or yam for this recipe. However, choosing yams with a deep orange flesh will give you the most vibrant color and intense flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the yams are in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding will prevent them from caramelizing properly.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and corn syrup slightly. Taste the mixture before adding the yams to adjust to your preference.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of allspice or a dash of cardamom can add a unique flavor dimension.
Variations:
- Maple Candied Yams: Replace the Karo syrup with pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Spicy Candied Yams: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Pecan Candied Yams: Toss in some toasted pecans during the last 10-15 minutes of baking for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
This candied yams recipe offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional side dishes. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, providing a burst of flavor that enhances any meal. Enjoy!