Mama'S Candied Yams
Mama's Candied Yams feature tender sweet potatoes coated in a buttery, sugary glaze with a hint of cinnamon, offering a comforting, sweet-savory flavor perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, wash, and dry the sweet potatoes.
- Slice the sweet potatoes thick, about 1/4-inch, longwise.
- Sprinkle lemon juice over the sliced potatoes to prevent darkening.
- Put butter in a heavy skillet and melt until just hot.
- Turn the heat on low or medium-low, according to your stove.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet.
- Add the brown sugar and white sugar as soon as the potatoes are in the skillet.
- Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of cinnamon over the potatoes.
- Turn the potatoes carefully and frequently to coat them evenly.
- Cook until tender, about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you're short on sweet potatoes, you can substitute with yams. Adjust the cinnamon to your preference; you can add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as different stovetops may require adjustments. For a more complex flavor, a dash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Candied Yams as a delightful side dish during family gatherings or holiday meals. They pair beautifully with dishes like Wolfe'S Cornbread or roasted meats. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Side Line Potato Salad for a comforting spread. These yams can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat on their own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of butter or water to keep the yams moist. If you want to serve them warm again for a gathering, consider placing them in a covered dish in a low oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Candied Yams contains roughly 506 calories, with 6g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the candied yams a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses. For each cup of brown sugar needed, combine 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This will mimic the flavor and moisture of brown sugar.
Can I use other spices instead of cinnamon?
Absolutely! While cinnamon is traditional, you can experiment with other spices like allspice or ginger for a different flavor profile. A pinch of nutmeg can also add warmth. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference for a unique twist on the recipe.
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).