Southern Candied Yams – A Taste of Joy
As the leaves turn golden and the days grow crisp, there’s something simply magical about the flavors of fall wafting through our homes. There’s a sense of warmth that tugs at our hearts, reminding us of family gatherings and holiday feasts. For me, nothing encapsulates that warmth quite like Southern Candied Yams. Soft, tender sweet potatoes bathed in a rich, buttery syrup, this recipe is a beloved staple that never fails to bring joy to any table. Picture yourself cozying up with a plate, each bite melting away stress, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. Trust me when I say, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: This dish will steal the spotlight at your next family dinner, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.
- Easy to follow: With simple ingredients and clear steps, even novice cooks can whip these yams up effortlessly.
- Cozy, comforting flavors: The combination of brown sugar and warm spices creates an indulgent, rich taste that feels like home.
- A delightful way to enjoy sweet potatoes: This dish transforms humble yams into a sweet, comforting treat that everyone will love.
- Quick to prepare: With just a little prep time, you can have a delicious side dish ready in no time.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To make this irresistible Southern Candied Yams recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 lb sweet potatoes
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 stick butter
- 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)
How to Make Southern Candied Yams
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Start by scrubbing, peeling, and slicing the yams into ½-inch rounds. The act of peeling those sweet potatoes fills your kitchen with an earthy aroma, a delightful prelude to the flavors that are about to unfold.
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In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, combine the sliced yams, butter, dark brown sugar, white sugar, orange juice concentrate, and spices. Stir gently until the yams are lavishly coated in the buttery sugar mixture, making sure every slice is enveloped in sweet goodness.
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Once the butter and sugars melt and start bubbling, which will create a thick, luscious syrup, cover the pot and let the yams simmer gently for about 50 minutes. This is where the magic happens; when the yams become tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. If they still feel firm, let them cook a little longer, allowing that sweet aroma to fill your home.
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After 50 minutes, remove the lid, and adjust your heat to medium. Let that beautiful buttery syrup come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. You want it to thicken to the perfect consistency that clings to the yams, creating that delightful, sweet coating.
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Once ready, remove the pot from the stove, and keep it warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve. Trust me, these yams taste best warm, and watching them glisten in the pot will make your heart do a little happy dance.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Add a nutty crunch: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender yams.
- Zesty citrus flair: Elevate the flavor by adding a little lemon zest along with the orange juice for a refreshing twist.
- Indulgent marshmallow topping: For a truly decadent treat, top these yams with fluffy marshmallows during the last few minutes of cooking, letting them melt into a gooey layer.
- Spicy warmth: If you love a bit of spice, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or add a touch more ginger for an unexpected heat that packs a punch!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the yams a day in advance! Simply follow the recipe until the simmering step, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if necessary to return them to their syrupy goodness.
- Sweet swap: If you’re in need of a lighter recipe, consider substituting some of the sugar with pure maple syrup and reducing the butter slightly – the flavor remains deliciously wholesome.
- Slicing tip: For even cooking, try to slice the yams as uniformly as possible. This ensures all pieces become tender at the same time, avoiding any overly crunchy bits.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Sugars: 54g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the yams up to the simmering step, and store them in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! You can swap out the orange juice for apple cider for a different flavor profile or use agave syrup in place of sugar.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
How long does it last?
These Southern Candied Yams will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored properly.
Wrapping It Up
This Southern Candied Yams recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the cozy moments we share around the table. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable experiences. So gather your loved ones, embrace the indulgent warmth of these delicious yams, and make new memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to save this Southern Candied Yams recipe to your holiday board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Southern Candied Yams
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lb sweet potatoes Scrubbed, peeled, and sliced into ½-inch rounds.
Sugars and Seasonings
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar Can substitute with light brown sugar.
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 stick butter Unsalted preferred.
- 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate Thawed.
Instructions
Preparation
- Scrub, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds.
Cooking
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, combine the sliced yams, butter, dark brown sugar, white sugar, orange juice concentrate, and spices.
- Stir gently until the yams are coated in the buttery sugar mixture.
- Cover the pot and let the yams simmer gently for about 50 minutes or until tender.
- Remove the lid, increase heat to medium and let the syrup boil gently, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- Remove from stove and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.
