Are you craving a taste of comfort food that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This old-fashioned candied yams recipe, cooked right on your stovetop, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated oven methods; this quick dinner idea delivers melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish in a fraction of the time. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple weeknight treat, these candied yams are a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. Get ready to elevate your side dish game!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Prep the Yams: Peel your sweet potatoes or yams and slice them thinly and evenly. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking. The thinner the slices, the quicker they'll candy.
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Melt the Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Sauté the Yams: Add the sliced yams to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. This helps develop a deeper flavor.
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Add the Sweetness: Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and orange juice. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
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Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Spice it Up: Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the yams.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the candied yams warm. They're delicious as a side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or even alongside breakfast foods!
Tips for Candied Yam Success:
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Even Slicing is Key: Consistent yam slices ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform pieces if you have one.
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Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a large quantity of yams, work in batches to ensure proper browning and even cooking.
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Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your preference. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
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Add a Zest of Orange: Enhance the citrus notes by adding the zest of one orange along with the orange juice.
Variations:
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Spiced Candied Yams: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger for a warm, spicy kick.
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Pecan Candied Yams: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans during the last few minutes of cooking for added crunch and nutty flavor.
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Marshmallow Candied Yams: Top with mini marshmallows during the last minute of cooking for a classic holiday twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
These old-fashioned candied yams are a simple yet elegant addition to any meal. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors makes them incredibly addictive, perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe!