Sweet Candied Yams: A Comforting Classic for Your Holiday Table!

Photo byAngie Bright

Few dishes evoke warmth and nostalgia like a perfectly prepared batch of sweet candied yams. Whether it's for a special holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, this dish brings a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory mains. The rich blend of sugar, cinnamon, and spices creates a velvety syrup that coats each slice of tender yam, making every bite a comforting indulgence.

A Timeless Tradition on the Table

Candied yams have been a staple in many homes for generations, particularly around the holidays. The recipe may vary slightly from family to family, but the essence remains the same—a sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced dish that enhances the natural flavor of the yams. What makes this recipe truly stand out is the combination of both white and brown sugars, creating a balance between caramel richness and subtle sweetness. The addition of orange juice adds a zesty twist, making the flavors more vibrant.

The star of this dish, of course, is the yam itself. When cooked just right, these tubers transform into soft, melt-in-your-mouth pieces, offering a satisfying texture that contrasts wonderfully with the sticky syrup that forms as the sugars reduce.

Recipe: Sweet Candied Yams

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 stick butter
• 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed) or fresh orange juice

Instructions:

1. Begin by scrubbing and peeling your yams, then slice them into 1/2-inch rounds to ensure even cooking.
2. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine the sweet potatoes and the rest of the ingredients, making sure to stir the mixture so that the yams are fully coated in the sugar, butter, and spices.
3. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 50 minutes, or until the yams are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Once the yams have softened, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Let the liquid cook down and thicken into a syrupy consistency, stirring occasionally. This process should take about 10 minutes.
5. When the syrup clings to the yams, remove the pot from the heat. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery yams.

The Sweet Reward

These sweet candied yams are more than just a side dish—they're a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. The simple yet bold flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger come together to create a dish that’s both delicious and festive. Whether you're serving it for a big Thanksgiving feast or simply alongside a Sunday roast, candied yams bring a sense of warmth to any meal.

Note: Want an extra touch of spice? A pinch of ground cloves can add a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dish.

Here are some helpful sources you can use to perfect your sweet candied yams recipe:

1. Simply Recipes: They offer a classic recipe, explaining the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, and highlighting the role of orange juice in creating a rich syrup that balances sweetness and flavor​Simply Recipes.
2. Southern Living: Their take focuses on using sweet potatoes (often labeled as yams) and provides expert tips on choosing the right potatoes, baking, and achieving a thick, sweet syrup​Southern Living.
3. Whisk It Real Gud: This site provides a stovetop recipe with helpful advice for adjusting sweetness and making sure the yams are perfectly tender​Whisk It Real Gud.
4. Pink Owl Kitchen: They emphasize the soul food tradition in their recipe, recommending a buttery syrup made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, and tips for preparing the dish ahead of time​Pink Owl Kitchen.

These resources should guide you to make delicious candied yams with perfect texture and flavor!