Description

Southern Candied Yams are a classic comfort food featuring tender sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, buttery syrup made with brown and white sugars, warm spices, and a hint of orange juice concentrate. This sweet and flavorful side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any cozy meal, offering a deliciously caramelized glaze that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the yams.

Ingredients

Scale

Yams and Syrup

2 lb sweet potatoes (yams), scrubbed, peeled, and sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 stick (8 tbsp) butter
3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
1 cup white sugar
4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Spices

2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the yams: Scrub, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavors.
Combine ingredients in pot: In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the sliced yams, butter, both sugars, orange juice concentrate, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the yams are thoroughly coated with the buttery sugar mixture.
Simmer the yams: Once the butter and sugars melt and the mixture starts to bubble, cover the pot. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for about 50 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork. If they remain firm, continue simmering a bit longer.
Thicken the syrup: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Allow the syrup to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes until the syrup thickens and coats the yams nicely.
Keep warm and serve: Remove the pot from heat and keep the yams warm in the oven until ready to serve. These candied yams are best enjoyed warm, as a deliciously sweet side dish.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup during the simmering process.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar to your preference.
Use fresh orange juice if frozen concentrate is unavailable, though the concentrate provides a more concentrated citrus flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.