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Amazing Candied Yams

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🍠🍬 Amazing Candied Yams: A Sweet Delight! 🍠🍬

What are Candied Yams?
Candied yams are a delectable and comforting dish made from sweet potatoes or yams that are cooked until tender and then coated with a sweet and gooey syrup mixture. They are a beloved side dish, especially popular during Thanksgiving and other holiday feasts, but they’re so delicious that they can be enjoyed year-round!

Historical Roots:
Candied yams have deep roots in Southern American cuisine, particularly in African American and soul food traditions. Sweet potatoes, which are native to Central and South America, became a staple in Southern cooking during the 17th century. Enslaved Africans incorporated sweet potatoes into their diets and created dishes like candied yams that combined African and American ingredients. Over time, candied yams became a symbol of comfort and celebration in Southern cuisine.

Components of Candied Yams:

  • Sweet Potatoes or Yams: The star ingredient, sweet potatoes or yams, are peeled and sliced into rounds or chunks.
  • Sweetener: Brown sugar or a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup is used to sweeten the dish.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor.
  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes a pinch of salt provide warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Optional Ingredients: Some recipes may include marshmallows for an extra layer of sweetness and a gooey topping.

Steps to Prepare Amazing Candied Yams:

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes or yams and cut them into rounds or chunks, depending on your preference. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).

  2. Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, melt a stick of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of brown sugar (or brown sugar and maple syrup combination) and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to create a fragrant syrup.

  3. Coat the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato slices or chunks in a baking dish. Pour the syrup mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure they are well-coated.

  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. You can occasionally baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup during baking for even coating.

  5. Optional Marshmallow Topping: If you want to add marshmallows, uncover the dish and arrange marshmallows on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden and gooey.

  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve your amazing candied yams hot, with the syrup drizzled over the top.

Total Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare candied yams can vary but typically falls in the range of 1.5 to 2 hours, including preparation and baking time.

🍠🍬 There you have it, the delightful history, components, preparation steps, and approximate time needed to create Amazing Candied Yams! Enjoy this sweet and savory side dish at your next gathering. 🍠🍬

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for candied yams:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximately 1 cup):

  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 46g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Vitamin A: 230% Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 20% DV
  • Calcium: 6% DV
  • Iron: 4% DV
  • Potassium: 10% DV

Health Information:

  1. Rich in Vitamin A: Candied yams are a fantastic source of vitamin A, providing more than 200% of the daily recommended intake per serving. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health.

  2. Moderate Fiber: While candied yams are sweet and sugary, they still contain some dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

  3. High in Sugar and Calories: One downside to candied yams is their high sugar content. The added sugars and syrup contribute to the sweetness and also to the calorie count. It’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar or calorie intake.

  4. Nutrient Variability: The exact nutrition content may vary based on the recipe and the amount of sugar, butter, and other ingredients used. Using less sugar or a sugar substitute can make them a slightly healthier option.

  5. Micronutrients: Candied yams also provide some vitamin C, calcium, and iron, although they are not as abundant as vitamin A.

In summary, while candied yams are a delicious treat and a good source of vitamin A, they are also relatively high in sugar and calories. They can be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence but should be balanced with other nutrient-rich foods for a well-rounded diet.

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