Whole Candied Yams
Sweet, tender candied yams coated in a luscious syrup with rich vanilla and butter, perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday feasts or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select and wash the potatoes.
- Put the potatoes in a pot and cover with water.
- Cook until the skin slips easily, then drain hot water.
- Cover with cold water and peel the potatoes.
- Put the sugar, water, butter, vanilla, and salt on the stove.
- Cook until the mixture thickens into a syrup.
- Drop in the peeled potatoes and cook until the syrup is thickened, turning the potatoes once during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
When selecting yams, choose firm potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh yams with canned ones, but adjust the cooking time as they are already soft. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup mixture. Ensure you stir gently to keep the potatoes intact while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve whole candied yams as a delightful side dish during holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats and can complement dishes like Party Casserole(Makes 8 Servings) or Sweet Raw Potato Pudding. For an added touch, drizzle with extra syrup before serving, and garnish with chopped pecans or marshmallows for texture.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, do so gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out, ensuring they regain their syrupy texture. They can also be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Candied Yams contains roughly 1016 calories, with 13g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 12g 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 use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
While the recipe specifically calls for yams, you can use sweet potatoes or even regular potatoes in a pinch. However, the flavor and texture will differ. Sweet potatoes will give a similar sweetness but may require less cooking time.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make the candied yams healthier, consider reducing the sugar by half and substituting with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. You can also replace butter with a plant-based alternative to cater to vegetarian recipes, enhancing the dish's health profile.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
You can experiment with adding other spices like ginger or cloves for a unique flavor profile. Incorporating fruits such as orange slices or cranberries while cooking can add a refreshing twist. For a nutty flavor, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans during the last few minutes of cooking.
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).