Description
Southern Candied Yams are a beloved classic that embodies the warmth and comfort of Southern cuisine. This soul food staple transforms sweet potatoes into a delectable dish through slow cooking in a rich syrup made from brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and warm spices. The result is an irresistible blend of sweetness and spice that perfectly complements holiday feasts or casual dinners alike. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or dessert, these yams are not just food; they’re a celebration of flavors that evoke cherished memories of family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes
- 3/4 cup dark 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
Instructions
- Scrub and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into 1/2 inch rounds.
- In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients, stirring gently to coat the sweet potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for about 50 minutes until tender.
- Uncover and increase heat to medium to boil for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the syrup.
- Keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for optimal texture. Adjust the sweetness by customizing the sugar levels to your preference. Experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for added flavor.