Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish to elevate your next holiday meal or weeknight dinner? Look no further! These candied yams, baked to perfection in the oven, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget those bland, boiled yams; this recipe delivers a sweet and savory explosion of flavor that's surprisingly simple to make. It's the perfect blend of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas, offering a healthy meal option that's both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1 inch)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (pure maple syrup is best for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, thoroughly wash and peel your yams. Cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Evenly sized pieces ensure even cooking.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cubed yams with the melted butter. This helps the spices and sugars adhere evenly. Then, add the brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the yam pieces.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the yam mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; this will ensure that the yams roast nicely and caramelize rather than steam. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the yams are tender and slightly caramelized. You'll know they're done when a fork easily pierces them. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
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Serve & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the candied yams cool slightly before serving. These delicious sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or even vegetarian mains.
Cooking Tips for Extra Delicious Candied Yams:
- For extra sweetness: Increase the brown sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Boost the citrus: Use the zest of one orange along with the juice for a more intense citrus flavor.
- Make it ahead: These candied yams can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Cranberry Candied Yams: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the yam mixture for a festive twist.
- Pecan Candied Yams: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delightful crunchy texture.
- Marshmallow Candied Yams: Top with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g Sugar: Approximately 20-25g Fat: Approximately 8-10g Fiber: Approximately 4-5g
This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious side dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!