When it comes to comfort food, candied yams are a classic favorite. This sweet and gooey side dish is perfect for holiday meals or anytime you’re craving a taste of nostalgia. But how long does it actually take to cook candied yams? The answer depends on your preferred method of preparation and cooking.

If you’re planning to make candied yams from scratch, the process can take a bit of time. First, you’ll need to peel and chop your yams, which can be a time-consuming task. Once your yams are prepped, you’ll need to boil them until they’re fork-tender. This usually takes about 20 minutes.

After boiling, it’s time to make the candied yam syrup. This involves melting butter and brown sugar together, and then adding in your choice of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. Once the syrup is well combined, you’ll pour it over the boiled yams and transfer everything to a baking dish.

The final step in cooking candied yams is baking them in the oven. They should be baked uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the syrup is bubbly and the yams are tender. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can even sprinkle marshmallows on top and broil for a few more minutes until they’re golden brown and toasted.

In conclusion, cooking candied yams can be a time-consuming process. From peeling and boiling to making the syrup and baking, it can take around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. However, the delicious and nostalgic flavors of this classic side dish make it well worth the effort. So, the next time you’re in the mood for some comforting candied yams, be prepared to spend a little time in the kitchen for a satisfying and sweet result.

Preparing the yams

Bruce's Candied YAMS
Bruce's Candied YAMS
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Before cooking the candied yams, you will need to prepare the yams by washing and peeling them.

Start by rinsing the yams under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface gently.

Next, peel the yams using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. Carefully remove the outer skin, ensuring that all the brown and rough spots are removed.

Once peeled, cut the yams into uniform slices or cubes, depending on your preference. If you prefer slices, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. For cubes, aim for 1-inch pieces.

After preparing the yams, you are now ready to proceed with the candied yams recipe.

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Note: It is important to handle the yams carefully to avoid any injuries. Always use a sharp knife and exercise caution while peeling and slicing the yams.

Mixing the ingredients

To cook candied yams, start by gathering the necessary ingredients. You will need:

  • 4 medium-sized yams
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • ½ cup of butter, melted
  • ½ cup of orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon of salt

Once you have all the ingredients ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash the yams thoroughly, then peel and cut them into 1-inch thick slices. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Add the sliced yams to the mixing bowl and gently toss them in the mixture, making sure every piece is coated. Allow the yams to sit in the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Make sure to use a baking dish that is large enough to hold all the yams in a single layer. Grease the baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the coated yams into the greased baking dish.

Cooking the yams

To cook candied yams, you first need to select fresh yams from the market. Look for yams that are firm, without any signs of bruising or blemishes. Wash the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Boiling the yams

Once the yams are cleaned, place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the natural flavor of the yams. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the yams simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The yams should be tender when pierced with a fork or knife.

Peeling and slicing the yams

After boiling the yams, carefully drain the water and allow them to cool down. Once the yams are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin using a knife or your fingers. The skin should easily come off. Cut the yams into thick slices, about 1 inch in width.

Note: Some people prefer to leave the skin on for added texture and flavor. If you prefer to keep the skin on, make sure to wash the yams thoroughly before boiling them.

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Once the yams are peeled and sliced, they are ready to be used in candied yam recipes. You can proceed with adding them to a sweet syrup mixture and baking them to create delicious candied yams.

Addition of toppings

Once the candied yams are cooked and ready to be served, you can enhance their flavor and presentation by adding various toppings. Here are some popular toppings you can consider:

  • Marshmallows: Sprinkle a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the yams and broil them for a few minutes until golden brown and melty.
  • Pecans: Finely chop some pecans and sprinkle them over the yams for a crunchy texture.
  • Brown sugar and cinnamon: Mix together some brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture over the yams for an extra sweet and aromatic touch.
  • Honey or maple syrup: Drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the yams for added sweetness.
  • Butter: Add a pat of butter on top of the yams for richness and a creamy finish.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings to suit your taste preferences. These toppings will elevate the flavor and visual appeal of your candied yams, making them even more delicious and enticing to eat.

Serving and Presentation

Once the candied yams have finished cooking, they are ready to be served and presented in a way that accentuates their delicious flavors and appearance. Here are some tips on serving and presentation:

Serving suggestions:

  • Serve the candied yams hot or warm, as they are most flavorful when enjoyed right after cooking.
  • Transfer the yams to a serving dish or individual plates for easy portioning.
  • Consider serving the candied yams alongside other traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, green bean casserole, or cranberry sauce.

Presentation ideas:

  • Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or other herbs on top of the yams for a pop of color and added freshness.
  • Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm and comforting flavors.
  • Arrange the yams in an attractive pattern or layer them in a baking dish for a visually appealing presentation.

Remember that presentation is key to making any dish look appetizing, so take the time to arrange the candied yams in an appealing way before serving. Whether you choose to keep it simple or get creative with your presentation, the delicious taste of the candied yams will surely shine through.

Storage and leftovers

Once the candied yams have cooled completely, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve their freshness and prevent them from spoiling.

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If properly stored, candied yams can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this time, they may start to lose their texture and flavor.

To reheat leftover candied yams, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

If you have a large batch of candied yams and don’t think you will be able to consume them all within a few days, they can also be frozen for longer storage.

Freezing candied yams

  1. Allow the candied yams to cool completely before freezing.
  2. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
  3. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
  4. Place the container or bag in the freezer.

Frozen candied yams can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing and reheating frozen candied yams

To thaw frozen candied yams, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Once thawed, they can be reheated using the same methods as reheating leftover candied yams.

It’s important to note that the texture of the thawed and reheated candied yams may be slightly different than when they were freshly made. However, they should still be delicious and enjoyable.

Q&A

How long does it take to cook candied yams?

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook candied yams.

What temperature should the oven be set to?

The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for cooking candied yams.

What are the ingredients needed to make candied yams?

The ingredients needed to make candied yams include yams, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and marshmallows (optional).

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes instead of yams to make candied yams. They are often used interchangeably in recipes.

How do I know when the candied yams are done?

You can check if the candied yams are done by poking them with a fork. They should be tender and easily pierced. The syrup should also be thickened. Cooking times may vary, so it’s best to rely on visual and texture cues.