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November 19, 2024
Have you ever craved a sweet and savory dish that is not only delicious but also easy to make? Look no further! Candy yams cooked in the oven are the perfect choice for you. This classic soul food dish combines tender yams with sweet brown sugar, warm spices, and a hint of butter.
Preparing candy yams in the oven is a simple and straightforward process that anyone can master. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time. The oven does most of the work for you, leaving you with a delectable dish that will impress your family and friends.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is the humble yam. Not to be confused with sweet potatoes, yams have a distinct flavor and texture that sets them apart. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the added sugars, creating a truly delightful treat.
Pro tip: To enhance the natural sweetness of the yams, choose ones that are firm, free of blemishes, and have a deep orange color. These qualities indicate that the yams are fresh and will yield the best results.
So, whether you are looking for a comforting side dish for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent, give this recipe a try. Once you taste these baked candy yams, you’ll never want to go back!
Preparing the Candy Yams
Before you start baking the candy yams, you need to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure delicious results:
- Wash the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the outer skin of the yams using a vegetable peeler or a knife.
- After peeling, rinse the yams once again to ensure they are clean.
- Next, dice the yams into evenly sized cubes. This will ensure even cooking.
- Place the cubed yams in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the yams.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the yams for about 10 minutes or until they are slightly tender.
- After simmering, drain the water from the pot and transfer the yams to a baking dish.
Now that you have prepared the candy yams, you are ready to move on to the next step: cooking them in the oven.
Choosing the right ingredients
When it comes to cooking candy yams in the oven, selecting the right ingredients is essential to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are the key ingredients you will need:
1. Yams: Look for fresh and firm yams in the produce section of your local grocery store. Choose yams that are free from blemishes and have a uniform color. The size of the yams should be relatively large to ensure a substantial serving.
2. Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich and caramel-like sweetness to the candy yams. It helps to create a delicious glaze on the yams and enhances their flavor. Use dark brown sugar for a stronger and more intense taste, or light brown sugar for a milder sweetness.
3. Butter: Butter is an essential ingredient as it adds richness and depth of flavor to the candy yams. It also helps to bind the other ingredients together and creates a smooth and creamy texture.
4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice that complements the natural sweetness of yams. It adds a delightful and distinct flavor to the dish, making your candy yams even more delicious.
5. Nutmeg: Nutmeg is another spice that pairs well with yams. It adds a subtle and earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the candy yams.
6. Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract provides a touch of sweetness and a hint of floral aroma to the candy yams. It helps to round out the flavors and create a more well-rounded and balanced dish.
7. Salt: Salt is necessary to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and bring out the natural sweetness of the yams. Use a small amount of salt to season the dish and balance the overall taste.
By carefully selecting and combining these ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish of candy yams that will impress your family and friends.
Washing and peeling yams
Before cooking candy yams in the oven, it’s important to start by washing and peeling the yams properly. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Begin by rinsing the yams under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris from the surface.
- Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the yams, especially if there are stubborn spots or dirt that won’t easily come off.
- Once the yams are clean, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Next, use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel the skin off each yam. Make sure to remove all the brown and uneven parts.
- After peeling, rinse the yams again to get rid of any leftover dirt or debris.
Following these steps will ensure that your candy yams are clean and ready to be cooked in the oven.
Cooking the Candy Yams
Candy yams are a delicious and sweet side dish that can be enjoyed on their own or as a complement to a main course. They are typically served during the holiday season, but can be enjoyed any time of the year. Cooking candy yams in the oven is a simple and convenient method that ensures the yams are tender and full of flavor.
Preparing the Yams
Start by selecting fresh and firm yams from your local grocery store. Look for yams that are similar in size for even cooking. Wash the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, using a sharp knife, carefully peel the yams, removing any blemishes or imperfections. Cut the yams into slices or cubes, whichever you prefer.
Seasoning the Yams
To enhance the natural sweetness of the candy yams, you can add a variety of seasonings and spices. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a smooth and fragrant sauce.
Place the yam slices or cubes in a large baking dish and pour the sauce over the top. Toss the yams until they are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
Baking the Yams
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in the moisture and prevent the yams from drying out.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the yams are fork-tender.
Once the yams are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
The oven-roasted candy yams will have a caramelized and slightly crispy exterior, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. Serve them as a delightful side dish that both kids and adults will love. Enjoy!
Pre-heating the oven
Before you start cooking candy yams in the oven, you need to pre-heat the oven to the appropriate temperature. This step is crucial as it ensures that your yams are cooked evenly and thoroughly.
To pre-heat the oven:
- Make sure the oven racks are in the correct position.
- Turn the oven on and set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Allow the oven to pre-heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.
During this time, you can prepare the yams by peeling and cutting them into uniform slices or cubes. Once the oven is pre-heated and the yams are ready, you can proceed to the next step of the cooking process.
Boiling the yams
Before preparing the candy yams in the oven, start by boiling the yams to soften them and make them easier to cook.
Step 1: Prep the yams
Wash the yams thoroughly under running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt or debris. Trim off any bruised or damaged areas.
Step 2: Boil the yams
Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the prepared yams to the pot. Make sure they are fully submerged in the water.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the yams simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender. You can test their doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the yams. They should penetrate easily.
Step 3: Drain and cool the yams
Once the yams are fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and carefully drain the water. Use a colander or a slotted spoon to transfer the yams to a plate or a cutting board.
Allow the yams to cool down for a few minutes before handling them further. You can use this time to preheat your oven to the desired temperature.
At this point, the yams are ready to be used in your candy yam recipe. Whether you’re going to make a brown sugar glaze, marshmallow toppings, or a combination of both, the boiled yams will serve as a perfect base for your delicious candy yams.
Baking the yams
Once you have peeled and sliced the yams, it’s time to bake them in the oven. Baking is one of the best methods to bring out the natural sweetness of yams. Follow these simple steps to bake your candy yams to perfection:
Preheating the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the yams to cook evenly and develop a delicious caramelized exterior.
Preparing the baking dish
Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the yams from sticking to the bottom. Make sure to choose a dish that is large enough to hold all the sliced yams in a single layer.
Arranging the yams
Place the sliced yams in the greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. This will ensure that they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown color.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yams | 2 pounds (about 4-5 medium-sized yams) |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons, melted |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Make sure to evenly sprinkle the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the sliced yams. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of your candy yams and give them a rich and warm taste.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to create a seal and trap the moisture inside. This will help the yams become soft and tender without drying out during the cooking process.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your yam slices, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Once the yams are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The aroma of the caramelized brown sugar and spices will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to dig into this delicious side dish.
Baking your candy yams in the oven is a simple and hassle-free way to achieve a mouthwatering result. The natural sweetness of the yams combined with the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, and spices will make this dish an absolute hit at your next gathering.
Q&A
What are candy yams?
Candy yams are a type of sweet potato that are often used in desserts or as a side dish. They have a naturally sweet taste and a soft, creamy texture when cooked.
How do I choose the best candy yams for cooking?
When choosing candy yams, look for ones that are firm and free of bruises or blemishes. Avoid yams that have soft spots or are starting to sprout.
Can I cook candy yams in the oven?
Yes, you can cook candy yams in the oven. Baking them allows the natural sugars in the yams to caramelise, resulting in a deliciously sweet and tender dish.
What is the best way to cook candy yams in the oven?
To cook candy yams in the oven, start by preheating it to 200°C. Scrub the yams clean and then pierce each one several times with a fork. Place the yams on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender. Allow them to cool slightly before peeling off the skin and serving.