Introduction to Southern Candied Yams
Candied yams are a yummy side dish made with sweet potatoes that you cook slowly in a sweet sauce on the stove. You mix in brown sugar and regular sugar with butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and a bit of vanilla to make it taste really good. These yams are super soft and have a sweet, buttery flavor that’s a bit like candy. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving or any time you want something special. I think they’re just great with fried catfish or chicken with gravy.
What You Need: Ingredients List
Make sure you have these ingredients on hand to create your delicious Southern Candied Yams!
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
Preparing Your Southern Candied Yams
1.Get started: Begin by washing and peeling your sweet potatoes. Once peeled, cut them into half-inch thick slices. This size helps them cook evenly and soak up all the lovely flavors.
2.Sweet mixture: In a large pot, combine both the brown sugar and white sugar. Add in your butter – this will give your yams a rich, creamy texture. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste. These spices will add a warm, comforting flavor to the dish.
3.Cooking: Place the sliced sweet potatoes into the pot with your sweet mixture. Turn the heat to medium and let everything melt together, stirring occasionally. Once the butter and sugars have melted, reduce the heat to low.
4.Simmering magic: Let your yams simmer gently. The key here is to cook them slowly, allowing the sweet potatoes to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors. Keep an eye on them, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5.Finishing touches: When the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened into a syrupy glaze, add a splash of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to your candied yams.
6.Serve and enjoy: Once everything is beautifully combined and your yams are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. These candied yams are fantastic on their own or as a complement to dishes like fried catfish or chicken with gravy.
Prepare to impress your family and friends with this heartwarming dish, perfect for any gathering or cozy meal at home.
Customization Ideas for Your Southern Candied Yams
By experimenting with these customizations, you can create a version of Southern Candied Yams that perfectly suits your tastes and occasions. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
- Additional Spices: Experiment with different spices to find the flavor that suits your taste. Consider adding a pinch of cloves or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
- Orange Zest or Juice: For a hint of citrusy brightness, add a bit of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to your yams while they’re cooking. This adds a lovely freshness that balances the sweetness.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top of your yams during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only adds a nice contrast but also a delightful nutty flavor.
- Marshmallows: For an extra-special treat, especially during the holidays, top the yams with marshmallows during the last few minutes of cooking. Place under the broiler until the marshmallows are golden and puffy for a classic touch.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor profile. Maple syrup adds a unique taste that complements the natural sweetness of the yams.
- Bourbon or Rum: Add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist on this classic dish. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a subtle, intriguing flavor that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Fresh Herbs: For a savory note, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary over the yams before serving. This can add a refreshing contrast to the dish’s sweetness.
- Different Sweeteners: Experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey, agave, or brown sugar alternatives to vary the flavor and sweetness level according to your dietary needs or preferences.
- Heat with Spice: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the yams as they cook. It’ll bring a gentle heat that warms up the dish without overpowering the sweet flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve candied yams as a luxurious side dish with savory main courses such as roasted turkey, glazed ham, smothered chicken and gravy, or pork chops. The sweetness of the yams complements these proteins beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got some leftover Southern Candied Yams from dinner? No worries, here’s how to keep them tasty for later. First, let them cool down. Then, pop them in the fridge in a tight-lid container; they’ll stay good for about 5 days. If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for way later, you can even freeze them for up to 3 months. Oh, and don’t forget to put a date on them so you remember when you put them in there.
When you’re ready to have them again, you’ve got a few options to warm them up. If they were in the freezer, let them thaw in the fridge first. To heat them, you can put them in the oven at 350°F with some aluminum foil on top for about 20-30 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the stovetop or microwave works too – just keep stirring them so they heat up evenly. And if they feel a bit dry, adding a little water or butter can get them back to that yummy, syrupy goodness. Just make sure not to cook them too long, so they don’t get mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Make Candied Yams Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make candied yams ahead of time. Just cool them down and store them in the fridge or freezer. They reheat well in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. - How Long Do Candied Yams Last in the Fridge?
Candied yams will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep them tasting fresh. - Can Candied Yams Be Frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze candied yams for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remember to label them with the freezing date. - How Do I Reheat Candied Yams?
You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F, covered with aluminum foil, for about 20-30 minutes. They can also be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just stir them occasionally to ensure even warming. - My Candied Yams Are Too Dry After Reheating. What Can I Do?
If your yams are a bit dry, try adding a little water, butter, or more syrup before reheating. It can help bring back some of the moisture and flavor. - Is There a Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes in This Recipe?
While in many places the terms “yam” and “sweet potato” are used interchangeably, they are different vegetables. For this recipe, what’s commonly referred to as “yams” in the U.S. are actually sweet potatoes with orange flesh. You can use either, but the classic recipe uses the orange sweet potatoes. - Can I Add Nuts or Marshmallows to My Candied Yams?
Sure! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch, and marshmallows on top are a classic addition. If using marshmallows, add them during the last few minutes of baking until they’re golden brown.
