Easy & Delicious Candy Yams: A Simple Recipe for the Holidays (and Beyond!)
Candy yams are a classic side dish, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their sweet, caramelized flavor and tender texture make them a comforting and delightful addition to any holiday table. However, many recipes can be time-consuming and complicated. This recipe aims to simplify the process without sacrificing the deliciousness you expect. We’ll walk you through creating incredibly easy and delectable candy yams that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is so straightforward, even beginner cooks can master it! Plus, we’ll provide variations and tips to personalize it to your liking.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe focuses on efficiency and flavor. Here’s why it’s a winner:
* **Minimal Ingredients:** We use readily available ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
* **Simplified Cooking Process:** Forget complicated techniques. This recipe uses a straightforward method that yields perfect results every time.
* **Delicious Caramelization:** The combination of butter, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich caramel sauce that coats the yams beautifully.
* **Tender Texture:** The yams are cooked until they are fork-tender, but not mushy.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
* **Yams:** 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds. It’s important to note the difference between yams and sweet potatoes. While often used interchangeably, true yams have rough, dark brown skin and a less sweet, starchier white flesh. Sweet potatoes have smoother, reddish-brown skin and a sweeter, orange flesh. For this recipe, either can be used, but sweet potatoes are the more common and readily available option. Using garnet or jewel sweet potatoes will result in a vibrant color.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted. Butter adds richness and helps create the caramel sauce. You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt later in the recipe.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup, packed. Brown sugar provides sweetness and a deeper molasses flavor than white sugar. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference. Dark brown sugar will give a richer, more intense flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup. Granulated sugar balances the moisture content and helps to create a shiny, even coating.
* **Water:** 1/4 cup. Water helps to create steam and cook the yams evenly.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg can also complement the cinnamon nicely.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). A little nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor to the yams.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Salt enhances the sweetness of the yams and balances the flavors.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
* **Pecans or Walnuts (optional):** 1/2 cup, chopped. Nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Pecans are a classic addition to candy yams, but walnuts work well too. You can toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** A large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid is essential for cooking the yams evenly. A 12-inch skillet or a 5-quart Dutch oven is ideal.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Vegetable Peeler:** To peel the yams.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** To cut the yams into rounds.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** To stir the yams and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect candy yams:
**Step 1: Prepare the Yams**
* Wash the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
* Using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin off the yams. Ensure you remove all the skin for a smooth texture.
* Place the peeled yams on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into 1-inch thick rounds. Try to cut the rounds as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate.
**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Skillet**
* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
* Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt to the melted butter. Stir until the sugars are dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
**Step 3: Cook the Yams**
* Add the yam rounds to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. If necessary, you can overlap them slightly.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the yams from sticking and to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the yam rounds and the heat of your stove.
**Step 4: Caramelize the Yams**
* Remove the lid from the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook the yams, stirring frequently, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized, coating the yams in a glossy glaze. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
**Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)**
* If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of cooking. This will allow the nuts to toast slightly and release their flavor.
**Step 6: Add Vanilla and Serve**
* Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
* Serve the candy yams hot, as a side dish. Garnish with extra chopped nuts, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Candy Yams
* **Choose the right yams (or sweet potatoes):** As mentioned earlier, either yams or sweet potatoes can be used in this recipe. However, sweet potatoes are the more common and readily available option. Garnet or jewel sweet potatoes will provide a vibrant color.
* **Cut the yams evenly:** Cutting the yams into uniform rounds ensures that they cook evenly. Aim for 1-inch thick rounds.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** If necessary, cook the yams in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can prevent the yams from cooking evenly and can also lower the temperature of the sauce, resulting in a less caramelized finish.
* **Stir frequently:** Stir the yams frequently during cooking to prevent them from sticking to the pan and to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce.
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or granulated sugar. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
* **Watch the sauce carefully:** The sauce can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it during the caramelization process. Stir frequently and reduce the heat if necessary.
* **Don’t overcook the yams:** Overcooked yams will be mushy and unpleasant. Cook them until they are fork-tender, but still hold their shape.
* **Toast the nuts (optional):** Toasting the nuts before adding them to the yams will enhance their flavor and add a more pronounced nutty taste. To toast the nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.
Variations and Add-ins
This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the brown sugar for a more complex and nuanced flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Add the zest of one orange to the skillet for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as ginger, allspice, or cloves.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
* **Bourbon or Rum:** Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a boozy twist. Be careful when adding alcohol to a hot pan, as it can ignite.
* **Marshmallows:** For a classic candy yam topping, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the yams during the last few minutes of cooking and broil until the marshmallows are golden brown and melted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Bacon:** For a savory-sweet flavor, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the yams during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Coconut:** Sprinkle shredded coconut over the yams for a tropical twist.
* **Vegan Candy Yams:** Use vegan butter and ensure the brown sugar is processed without bone char to make this recipe vegan. Many brands of brown sugar are vegan-friendly, but it’s always a good idea to check the label.
* **Spicy Candy Yams:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet for a touch of heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Candy yams are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Holiday Dinners:** Candy yams are a classic addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. They complement roasted turkey, ham, and other traditional holiday fare.
* **Weeknight Meals:** Candy yams are also a great side dish for weeknight meals. They pair well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Candy yams can be served alongside vegetarian dishes, such as lentil loaf, stuffed bell peppers, or butternut squash risotto.
* **Dessert:** While typically served as a side dish, candy yams can also be enjoyed as a dessert. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Candy yams can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, making them a convenient option for busy holidays or gatherings. Here’s how to make them ahead:
* **Prepare the yams:** Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you add the nuts (if using).
* **Cool and store:** Let the yams cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat the yams, transfer them to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
* **Add nuts (if using):** If using nuts, add them during the last few minutes of reheating to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Storage Instructions
Leftover candy yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as described above.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
* (Per serving, based on 6 servings)
* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-9g
* Cholesterol: 30-45mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
These easy candy yams are a delightful and stress-free way to bring a classic dish to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a sweet and savory side that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply looking for a delicious weeknight side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet, caramelized goodness of homemade candy yams!