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December 10, 2024
Are you looking for a delicious and comforting side dish to serve at your next meal? Look no further than candied yams! These sweet and tender yams, cooked on the stove, are the perfect addition to any holiday table or everyday dinner.
Candied yams are a traditional Southern dish that combines the natural sweetness of yams with a rich and buttery glaze. The yams are cooked until they are fork-tender and then simmered in a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and spices, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Not only are candied yams incredibly tasty, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can whip up this classic side dish in no time.
So, if you’re ready to add some sweetness and warmth to your next meal, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cooking candied yams on the stove!
Preparing the Yams
Before you can cook candied yams on the stove, you need to prepare the yams. Follow these steps:
- Start by choosing fresh and firm yams from your local grocery store.
- Wash the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the yams using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Make sure to remove all the skin.
- Cut the peeled yams into even-sized chunks. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
- Rinse the yam chunks once again to remove any leftover dirt or starch.
Once you have finished preparing the yams, you are ready to move on to the next step in the candied yams recipe.
Choosing the Right Yams
When it comes to making candied yams on the stove, the first step is to choose the right yams. There are several varieties of yams available, but not all of them are suitable for candying.
Varieties:
1. Traditional Yams
Traditional yams, also known as African yams, are the most commonly used yams for making candied yams. They have a firm texture and a sweet flavor, making them perfect for this dish. Look for yams that are smooth-skinned and have a vibrant orange color.
2. Garnet Yams
Garnet yams are another popular choice for making candied yams. They are similar to traditional yams in terms of texture and taste. Garnet yams have a deep red color and a slightly sweeter flavor than traditional yams.
Size:
Regardless of the variety, it is important to choose yams that are similar in size. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are ready at the same time.
Freshness:
When selecting yams, look for ones that are firm and free of any visible blemishes or soft spots. Avoid yams that are overly wrinkled or have sprouts, as these are signs that they are past their prime.
Storage:
Yams should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause them to lose their flavor and become mushy.
By selecting the right yams for your candied yams recipe, you can ensure that your dish turns out delicious and flavorful.
Peeling and Cutting the Yams
Before you start preparing the candied yams, you need to peel and cut the yams. Follow these steps to properly peel and cut them:
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A vegetable peeler
Step 2: Wash the Yams
Thoroughly wash the yams under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris from the outer skin.
Step 3: Peel the Yams
Using a vegetable peeler, start peeling the skin off the yams. Make sure to remove all the brown outer layer, leaving only the creamy flesh.
Step 4: Cut the Yams
Once the yams are peeled, place them on a cutting board and cut them into evenly sized pieces. You can choose to cut them into rounds, cubes, or any shape you prefer. Just make sure the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Now that the yams are peeled and cut, you can proceed to cook them on the stove and make delicious candied yams!
Cooking the Yams
Once you have prepared the yams by peeling and cutting them into cubes, it is time to cook them on the stove. Follow these steps to cook candied yams on the stove:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of peeled and cubed yams
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:
- Place the cubed yams in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the yams for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the yams and set them aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until the brown sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cooked yams to the pot and toss them gently in the butter and sugar mixture until they are coated evenly.
- Pour the water into the pot and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the yams are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Once the candied yams are cooked on the stove, they are ready to be served as a delicious side dish for your holiday meals or any special occasion. Enjoy!
Boiling the Yams
To start cooking candied yams on the stove, you’ll need to boil the yams first. Follow these steps:
1. Start by peeling the yams and cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Rinse the yam pieces under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
4. Carefully lower the yam pieces into the boiling water. Make sure the water covers the yams completely.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the yams simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
6. Periodically check the doneness of the yams by inserting a fork into a piece. If it easily goes through, they are ready.
7. Once the yams are cooked, remove them from the heat and drain the water.
Now that you have boiled the yams, you are ready to move on to the next step in the candied yams recipe.
Making the Candied Syrup
To make the delicious candied syrup for your yams, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Now, let’s dive into the steps to make the candied syrup:
Step 1: Melting the Butter
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Adding the Brown Sugar and Water
Once the butter has melted completely, add the brown sugar and water to the saucepan. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Seasoning the Syrup
Add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to the saucepan. Stir until all the spices are well combined with the syrup mixture.
Note: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.
Tip: For a richer flavor, you can switch out the water with orange juice or apple cider.
And there you have it – the delicious candied syrup is ready to be poured over your cooked yams! The sweet and flavorful syrup will complement the natural taste of the yams and bring out their caramelized goodness. Enjoy!
Serving the Candied Yams
Once the candied yams are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them. Here are a few ways to present this delicious side dish:
- Transfer the candied yams to a serving platter or a decorative dish. Make sure to evenly distribute the syrupy sauce over the yams.
- Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the candied yams for added crunch and flavor.
- Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of visual appeal.
- Serve the candied yams hot and fresh alongside your chosen main dish. They make a great addition to any holiday feast or special occasion meal.
Remember to let the candied yams cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your guests’ mouths. Enjoy this sweet and indulgent treat!
Garnishing the Dish
Once the candied yams are cooked and ready to serve, it’s time to garnish the dish to enhance its appearance and add a pop of flavor. Here are a few ideas for garnishing your candied yams:
1. Sprinkle with Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor to the candied yams, making it the perfect garnish. Sprinkle a generous amount of ground cinnamon over the top of the dish to bring out the natural sweetness of the yams.
2. Top with Mini Marshmallows
A classic garnish for candied yams is mini marshmallows. Arrange a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the yams and place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the marshmallows are toasted and golden brown. The gooey marshmallows create a delightful contrast to the soft and sweet yams.
Remember to be creative and experiment with different garnishes to make your candied yams visually appealing and delicious!
Q&A
Can you cook candied yams on the stove?
Yes, you can cook candied yams on the stove.
What ingredients do I need to cook candied yams on the stove?
To cook candied yams on the stove, you will need yams, butter, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and water.
How long does it take to cook candied yams on the stove?
It usually takes about 30-40 minutes to cook candied yams on the stove.
Do I need to peel the yams before cooking them on the stove?
Yes, you need to peel the yams before cooking them on the stove.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams to cook candied yams on the stove?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes instead of yams to cook candied yams on the stove.
How do I cook candied yams on the stove?
To cook candied yams on the stove, start by peeling and slicing the yams into rounds or cubes. In a saucepan, melt butter and add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the yams to the saucepan and coat them with the butter mixture. Cover the saucepan and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the yams are tender. Serve hot and enjoy!