Candy yams, also known as candied yams, are a delicious and sweet side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal or special occasion. These yams are slow-cooked on the stove with a combination of butter, brown sugar, and warm spices, producing a dish that is rich, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Candy yams are a traditional Southern dish that is often served during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. They are made from sweet potatoes, which are cooked until tender and then coated in a sweet syrupy glaze. The glaze is made by melting butter and brown sugar together, along with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture is then poured over the cooked sweet potatoes, allowing them to soak up all of the delicious flavors.

The secret to perfect candy yams is to cook them low and slow on the stove. This allows the sweet potatoes to absorb all of the flavors from the glaze while becoming tender and caramelized. The result is a dish that is sweet, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying.

Whether you’re making candy yams for a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting and sweet side dish, this recipe is sure to please. Follow along to learn how to cook candy yams on the stove and bring a taste of the South to your table.

Prepare your ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • 3 pounds of yams
  • 1/2 cup of butter
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of water
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Instructions:

1. Prepare the yams by washing them thoroughly under running water. Peel the yams and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.

2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

3. Add the sliced yams to the pot and stir until they are coated in the butter and sugar mixture. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the yams simmer for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Remove the pot from the heat and let the yams cool slightly before serving. Spoon the syrupy sauce over the yams for extra flavor.

Enjoy your delicious homemade candy yams!

Gather the necessary ingredients for cooking candy yams on the stove

To cook delicious candy yams on the stove, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized yams or sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting to cook the candy yams. This will ensure a smooth cooking process and delicious results.

Peel and cut the yams

To prepare the candy yams, start by peeling the skin off the yams using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Make sure to remove all the brown spots and blemishes. Rinse the yams under cold water to clean them thoroughly.

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Once the yams are peeled, cut them into evenly-sized pieces. You can choose to dice them into small cubes or cut them lengthwise into thick slices. The size of the yam pieces will affect the cooking time, so make sure they are all similar in size.

Place the cut yams in a large pot or saucepan and cover them with water. Make sure there is enough water to fully submerge the yams. Varying the amount of water can change the texture of the cooked yams, so use your judgment based on your desired consistency.

Now, you are ready to move on to the next step in cooking your delicious candy yams!

Properly peel and cut the yams into even pieces

Before you begin cooking your candy yams on the stove, it’s important to properly prepare the yams by peeling and cutting them into even pieces. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and result in a delicious final dish.

Gather your ingredients and tools

To peel and cut the yams, you’ll need the following:

  • Yams
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Steps to properly peel and cut the yams

Follow these steps to prepare the yams:

  1. Wash the yams under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Place a yam on the cutting board and use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Start at one end and peel in a downward motion, rotating the yam as you go to ensure all sides are peeled.
  3. Repeat the peeling process for each yam.
  4. Once the yams are peeled, use a knife to trim off any rough spots or imperfections.
  5. Cut the yams into even pieces. You can choose the size depending on your preference, but it’s best to aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Now that you’ve properly peeled and cut the yams into even pieces, you’re ready to continue with the cooking process for your delicious candy yams.

Boil the yams

To prepare the candy yams, start by washing the yams under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, peel the yams using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Once peeled, cut the yams into thick slices or chunks.

Next, fill a large pot with enough water to completely submerge the yams. Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for added flavor.

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the yam slices or chunks to the pot. Allow the yams to boil for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Be sure to stir the yams occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Once the yams are cooked, carefully drain the hot water from the pot using a colander or strainer. Allow the yams to cool for a few minutes before using them in your candy yam recipe.

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Boiling the yams is an essential step in the candy yam cooking process. It helps to soften the yams and prepare them for the next steps, such as adding the sweet syrup and baking in the oven.

A note of caution: Be careful when handling the boiling water and hot yams to avoid burns. Use oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the yams until tender

To cook candy yams on the stove, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Make sure the pot is large enough to hold all the yams you want to cook.

While the water is heating up, wash the yams thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the yams to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged.

Cook the yams for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the yams.

After the yams are cooked, remove them from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Allow them to cool slightly before peeling off the skin, as it will be easier to handle when they are warm.

Once the yams are peeled, they are ready to be used in your favorite candy yam recipe. Whether you prefer to mash them, roast them, or turn them into a sweet casserole, cooking yams on the stove is a simple and versatile way to enjoy this delicious root vegetable.

Preheat a skillet

To cook candy yams on the stove, the first step is to preheat a skillet. The skillet should be large enough to hold all the yams in a single layer. Preheating the skillet ensures that the yams cook evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior.

Place the skillet over medium heat and let it heat up for a few minutes. You can test if the skillet is hot enough by adding a few drops of water to it. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the skillet is ready.

Preparation Time Cooking Time Total Time
10 minutes 30 minutes 40 minutes

Heat a skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the yams

To start cooking the candy yams on the stove, you will need a skillet or frying pan. Place the skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the yams comfortably and allows for even cooking.

While the skillet is heating up, gather all the ingredients you will need for the candy yams recipe. This includes the washed and peeled yams, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and any additional optional ingredients you may want to include in your recipe.

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Steps to prepare the yams:

  1. Wash and peel the yams. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Cut the yams into evenly sized pieces. You can choose to cut them into rounds, cubes, or any shape you prefer. The uniform size will ensure that they cook evenly.
  3. Once the skillet is heated, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Swirl the melted butter around the skillet, making sure to coat the bottom thoroughly.
  4. Add the yam pieces to the skillet. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will allow the yams to cook evenly and develop a caramelized exterior.
  5. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the yams. These spices will add flavor and enhance the natural sweetness of the yams.
  6. Cook the yams on medium heat, flipping them occasionally, until they are tender and caramelized. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the yams and the desired level of caramelization.
  7. Once the yams are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid any burns.

Now that you know how to heat the skillet and prepare the yams, you can proceed to the next steps of the candy yams recipe. Enjoy your delicious homemade candy yams!

Q&A

What are candy yams?

Candy yams are a type of sweet potato that are often cooked with sugar and spices to create a sweet and savory dish.

Can candy yams be cooked on the stove?

Yes, candy yams can be cooked on the stove. In fact, cooking them on the stove is a popular method that yields delicious results.

What ingredients do I need to cook candy yams on the stove?

To cook candy yams on the stove, you will need sweet potatoes or yams, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

How long does it take to cook candy yams on the stove?

The cooking time for candy yams on the stove can vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes or yams. However, it typically takes around 30-45 minutes to cook them until they are tender.

Are candy yams a healthy dish?

Candy yams can be a delicious and nutritious dish when prepared with wholesome ingredients and in moderation. They are a good source of vitamins and fiber, but it’s important to be mindful of added sugars and fats when cooking them.

What are candy yams?

Candy yams, also known as candied yams, are a sweet side dish made with yams or sweet potatoes that are usually baked or boiled and then topped with a sweet glaze made from sugar, butter, and spices.

Can I cook candy yams on the stove?

Yes, candy yams can be cooked on the stove. Although they are traditionally baked, you can also boil or steam the yams and then prepare the sweet glaze on the stove to coat them.