Ursula'S Candied Sweet Potatoes
Ursula's Candied Sweet Potatoes offer a rich, caramelized treat with cinnamon and brown sugar, perfect as a comforting side dish for festive or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the sweet potatoes.
- Cut the potatoes into strips twice the size of a French fry.
- Use a heavy saucepan to cover the potatoes almost completely with water and place a loose lid on.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid.
- Add butter, a pinch of salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar to the saucepan.
- Cook on medium heat for 1 hour, keeping the heat low enough to simmer gently.
- Add Karo syrup to the mixture.
- Continue cooking for another hour.
- Occasionally shake the saucepan to prevent sticking. Do not stir.
- The longer you cook, the better the flavor becomes!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using maple syrup instead of dark Karo syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar by half. To save time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes for a few minutes before cutting them. Ensure that the saucepan is well-covered to maintain moisture, which is key for tender potatoes. Pair these with American recipes like Love Knots for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ursula's Candied Sweet Potatoes as a decadent side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats and make a fantastic addition to a vegetarian recipes spread. Consider serving alongside Marshmallow Fruit Salad for a sweet contrast or with a savory Egg And Cheese Souffle for brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem dry. Stir gently to avoid breaking the sweet potato pieces. They can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ursula'S Candied Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 561 calories, with 3g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1106mg per serving (48% 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 other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While sweet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with other starchy potatoes like Yukon golds. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ significantly, and cooking times may need adjustment to achieve the same tender result.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking?
To prevent sticking, avoid stirring the potatoes during cooking. Instead, gently shake the saucepan occasionally. If you notice them starting to stick, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer, which helps in achieving that perfect candied texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Cook them as directed, then let them cool before refrigerating. Reheat gently before serving, adding a little water or butter to revive the syrupy consistency.
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).