Slow Cooker Candied Purple Yams: A Sweet and Easy Holiday Side Dish
Purple yams, also known as ube, add a vibrant color and subtly sweet flavor to any dish. This recipe for slow cooker candied purple yams is not only incredibly easy but also perfect for freeing up oven space during busy holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The slow cooker gently cooks the yams until they are tender and infused with a rich, caramelized glaze. Prepare to impress your guests with this stunning and delicious side dish!
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Candied Yams?
Using a slow cooker for candied yams offers several advantages:
* **Hands-Off Cooking:** Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. No need to constantly monitor the stovetop or oven.
* **Consistent Temperature:** The slow cooker maintains a consistent temperature, ensuring even cooking and preventing the yams from burning.
* **Tender Texture:** Slow cooking yields incredibly tender and moist yams.
* **Free Up Oven Space:** During holidays, oven space is a precious commodity. The slow cooker allows you to prepare a delicious side dish without tying up your oven.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The extended cooking time allows the flavors of the spices and glaze to deeply penetrate the yams.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **3 pounds Purple Yams (Ube):** Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Look for them at Asian markets or specialty grocery stores. If you can’t find purple yams, you can substitute with regular orange yams or sweet potatoes, though the color and flavor will be different.
* **1/2 cup Butter:** Unsalted butter, cut into pats.
* **3/4 cup Brown Sugar:** Light or dark brown sugar, packed.
* **1/4 cup Maple Syrup:** Adds a rich, natural sweetness.
* **1/4 cup Orange Juice:** Provides a touch of acidity and complements the sweetness.
* **1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:** A classic spice for candied yams.
* **1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg:** Adds warmth and complexity.
* **1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger:** Provides a subtle spicy kick.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **1/4 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional):** For added texture and flavor.
Equipment Needed
* **Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger):** The size of your slow cooker will depend on the quantity of yams you’re preparing.
* **Vegetable Peeler:** For peeling the yams.
* **Cutting Board:** For safely cutting the yams.
* **Knife:** For cutting the yams into cubes.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the yams in the slow cooker.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly candied purple yams in your slow cooker:
**Step 1: Prepare the Yams**
* Wash the purple yams thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
* Using a vegetable peeler, peel the yams, removing the outer skin completely.
* Place the peeled yams on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the cubes relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
**Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
* Place the cubed purple yams into the slow cooker.
* Scatter the butter pats evenly over the yams.
* Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter and yams.
* Pour the maple syrup and orange juice over the brown sugar.
* Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt over the mixture.
**Step 3: Cook the Yams**
* Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
* Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the yam cubes. Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time.
* The yams are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The glaze should be thick and caramelized.
**Step 4: Stir and Thicken (Optional)**
* Once the yams are cooked, carefully remove the lid and stir gently to coat the yams evenly with the glaze.
* If the glaze is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by removing about 1/2 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker and transferring it to a small saucepan.
* Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
* Pour the thickened glaze back into the slow cooker and stir gently.
**Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)**
* If desired, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
* Serve the slow cooker candied purple yams hot. They are a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
* Garnish with extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Tips and Variations
* **Sweetness Adjustment:** Adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amounts slightly.
* **Spice Variations:** Experiment with different spices, such as cloves, allspice, or cardamom. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle kick.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a brighter flavor.
* **Add Cranberries:** Stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries during the last hour of cooking for a festive twist.
* **Coconut Milk:** Replace the orange juice with coconut milk for a richer, more exotic flavor.
* **Bourbon or Rum:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Make Ahead:** The candied yams can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the slow cooker or oven before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these candied purple yams as a side dish with roasted turkey, ham, chicken, or pork. They also pair well with vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or stuffed butternut squash. You can also use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Troubleshooting
* **Yams are not tender:** Ensure the slow cooker is properly sealed. Cooking time may need to be extended. Add a tablespoon or two of water or juice if the slow cooker seems to be running dry.
* **Glaze is too thin:** Remove the lid during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, thicken the glaze in a saucepan as described in the instructions.
* **Yams are too sweet:** Reduce the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup in the recipe.
* **Yams are sticking to the bottom:** Ensure there is enough liquid in the slow cooker. Stir the yams occasionally during cooking.
Purple Yam Varieties
While the term “purple yam” is often used interchangeably with “ube,” it’s helpful to know that there are several different varieties of purple yams, each with slightly different characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
* **Ube Halaya:** This is perhaps the most well-known type of purple yam, particularly in Filipino cuisine. It has a vibrant purple color and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor.
* **Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato (Beniimo):** This variety is popular in Okinawa, Japan. It has a milder sweetness compared to ube and a slightly drier texture.
* **Stokes Purple Sweet Potato:** This is an American variety with a deep purple flesh. It has a more earthy flavor compared to ube.
When selecting purple yams for this recipe, any of these varieties will work. Keep in mind that the cooking time and sweetness level may vary slightly depending on the specific variety you choose.
Serving Suggestions Beyond the Holidays
While this dish is a holiday favorite, its vibrant color and delicious flavor make it a welcome addition to meals year-round. Consider these serving suggestions:
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a sweet and savory breakfast.
* **Side Dish for Grilled Meats:** The sweetness of the yams complements grilled chicken, pork, or steak beautifully.
* **Vegetarian Main Course Component:** Pair with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a balsamic glaze for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
* **Dessert Topping:** Spoon over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a simple yet elegant dessert.
* **Stuffing Ingredient:** Dice the candied yams and add them to your favorite stuffing recipe for a touch of sweetness and color.
Slow Cooker Safety Tips
* **Always use a slow cooker that is in good working condition:** Check the cord and heating element for any damage before using.
* **Never overfill the slow cooker:** Fill it no more than two-thirds full to allow for proper cooking and prevent spillage.
* **Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions:** Read the instruction manual carefully before using your slow cooker.
* **Do not lift the lid unnecessarily:** Lifting the lid releases heat and can increase the cooking time.
* **Use oven mitts when handling the slow cooker:** The exterior of the slow cooker can get hot during cooking.
* **Unplug the slow cooker when not in use:** This will prevent accidents and save energy.
Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Candied Purple Yams!
This slow cooker candied purple yams recipe is a delicious and easy way to add a touch of elegance and vibrant color to your holiday table or any special occasion. The slow cooker makes it incredibly simple to prepare, freeing up your time and oven space for other dishes. With its tender texture, rich glaze, and optional nutty topping, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning and flavorful side dish. Happy cooking!