Golden Medley Orange Candied Yams
Golden Medley Orange Candied Yams offer a delightful combination of sweet yams glazed with a citrus-infused brown sugar sauce, topped with toasted almonds and fresh orange sections. Perfect as a festive side dish, it balances sweetness and crunch, appealing to family gatherings and holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter or margarine.
- Add toasted blanched almonds, light brown sugar, and orange juice; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Add drained yams and sprinkle with salt.
- Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, spooning sauce over the yams frequently.
- Garnish with orange sections before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce while it simmers. If you're out of blanched almonds, walnuts or pecans can serve as a delicious substitute. To make this dish even sweeter, you can add a splash of maple syrup or honey to the orange juice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These candied yams make a beautiful centerpiece for holiday dinners and pair wonderfully with roasted meats or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside dishes like Grandmothers Tea Cakes for dessert or a refreshing Citrus Salad for a bright contrast. Garnishing with fresh herbs can add a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil, warming in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Medley Orange Candied Yams contains roughly 1070 calories, with 36g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), protein (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% 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, you can use fresh yams! Just peel and cut them into chunks, then boil until tender before proceeding with the recipe. This will add a more natural flavor and texture to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. This ensures the dish remains rich and flavorful while adhering to vegan diets.
How can I make the yams less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar by half or omit it entirely. You can enhance the savory notes by increasing the salt slightly and adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
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).