Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish that will impress your guests and family? Look no further! This candied yams recipe with Karo syrup is a classic for a reason. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a comforting warmth that's ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds yams, peeled and cubed (about 6 medium yams)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Karo light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large, 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the yams: Peel the yams and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Ensure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Make the candied yam mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Karo syrup, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
Combine and bake: Add the cubed yams to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the syrup mixture. Pour the yams into the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the syrup has caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the candied yams cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Candied Yams:
- Yam selection: Choose yams that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid those with bruises or soft spots.
- Even cooking: Cutting the yams into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain hard.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the yams are in a single layer to allow for proper caramelization. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar and Karo syrup slightly.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
Variations:
- Marshmallow topping: For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the yams during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Pecans or walnuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the yams during the last 20 minutes of baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Maple syrup: Substitute maple syrup for some of the Karo syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the number of servings. A general estimate for one serving (assuming 8 servings) would be around:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 2-3g
This delicious candied yams recipe is a perfect example of how easy and satisfying healthy meals can be. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and best recipes, suitable for any skill level. Enjoy!