Are you looking for a simple yet impressive side dish to elevate your next meal? Look no further! These stovetop candied sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this recipe delivers sweet, caramelized perfection in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. This healthy meal option is also perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts seeking delicious dishes and best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
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Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them thinly using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife for even cooking. Aim for slices around ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices will caramelize more easily.
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Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Sauté the Sweet Potatoes: Add the sliced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
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Add the Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the sugars to dissolve and coat the sweet potatoes.
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Simmer to Perfection: Add the water to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. These candied sweet potatoes are delicious as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork, or even alongside a hearty salad.
Tips for Candied Sweet Potato Success:
- Thinly Sliced is Key: Using a mandoline slicer ensures even cooking and beautiful caramelization. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and steady hand will do the trick. Just be sure to keep the slices relatively uniform in thickness.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a large amount of sweet potatoes, work in batches to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sweetener.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with other spices, such as ginger or allspice, to create your own unique flavor combination.
Variations:
- Spicy Candied Sweet Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Citrusy Candied Sweet Potatoes: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright and refreshing twist.
- Candied Sweet Potatoes with Pecans: Toss in some chopped pecans during the last few minutes of cooking for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes and the amount of butter and sugar used. However, a general estimate for a serving of this recipe would be:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Protein: Approximately 2-3g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
This easy recipe for stovetop candied sweet potatoes is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy!