Candied Yams With Apple And Banana
Sweet and savory candied yams with apple and banana, infused with warm spices, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 6 oz. apple juice or cider ⓘ
- 6 oz. orange juice
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 3 whole cloves ⓘ
- 3 allspice berries ⓘ
- 1 lb. yams, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 apple (Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, sliced ⓘ
- 1 banana (ripe), peeled, sliced ⓘ
- peanuts, lightly roasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the margarine in a large skillet.
- Stir in apple juice, orange juice, salt, and spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries).
- Add the yams and bring to a boil.
- Cover, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until yams are just tender.
- Add the apple slices and banana slices, then simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve topped with lightly roasted peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting coconut oil for margarine. You can also replace apple juice with pear juice for a different twist. If you want to enhance the sweetness, try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup. Keep an eye on the yams while simmering; they should be tender but not mushy. If you prefer, you can use sweet potatoes instead of yams.
Serving Suggestions
These candied yams are a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a festive holiday meal. Consider serving alongside a green salad for balance, or with a warm bread like cornbread. For a special touch, drizzle with a little Apricot Cordial before serving to elevate the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of orange juice to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candied Yams With Apple And Banana contains roughly 934 calories, with 7g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1284mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh yams instead of canned?
Yes, fresh yams are ideal for this recipe. Just ensure you peel and slice them evenly to ensure even cooking. Canned yams can be used in a pinch but will have a different texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute margarine with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some brown sugars are processed with bone char.
What can I serve with candied yams?
Candied yams pair well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. They also complement savory dishes like collard greens or cornbread. For a festive presentation, consider serving with a spiced drink like Coffee Brandy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).