When it comes to quick and easy side dishes, canned candied yams are a delicious and convenient option. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or just want a comforting side for dinner, these sweet and tender yams will surely satisfy your cravings.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. The key to cooking canned candied yams is to enhance their natural sweetness and create a caramelized, syrupy glaze that coats each slice.
To get started, you’ll need a can of candied yams, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Drain the yams from the can, reserving the syrup for later.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the spices are fragrant.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cloves to the saucepan. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste!
Next, arrange the drained yams in the greased baking dish. Pour the buttery sugar mixture over the yams, making sure to coat each slice evenly. If desired, you can also drizzle some of the reserved syrup from the can over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. This will allow the yams to absorb the flavors and become tender. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the yams are caramelized and golden brown.
Once done, let the yams cool for a few minutes before serving. The warmth and sweetness of these canned candied yams are sure to complement any meal and bring joy to your taste buds. Enjoy!
What are canned candied yams?
Canned candied yams are a popular type of sweet potato dish that has been pre-prepared, cooked, and preserved in a can. Yams are a type of tuber vegetable that is native to Africa and Asia. Although often referred to as yams in the United States, most canned “yams” are actually a variety of sweet potato.
These canned yams are typically sliced or cubed and cooked in a syrupy mixture that includes ingredients such as sugar, butter, and spices. This sweet syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the yams and adds a rich, indulgent flavor. The cans are sealed and preserved, allowing the yams to remain shelf-stable for extended periods of time.
Canned candied yams are a convenient option for those who want to enjoy the delicious taste of candied yams without the hassle of peeling, cooking, and seasoning fresh sweet potatoes. They are commonly used as a side dish during holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, but can also be enjoyed year-round as a tasty and comforting accompaniment to various main courses.
Key Features of Canned Candied Yams:
- Sweetness: The yams are cooked in a sweet syrup, making them deliciously sweet and indulgent.
- Convenience: Canned yams eliminate the need for peeling, cooking, and seasoning fresh sweet potatoes.
- Long Shelf Life: The cans are sealed and preserved, allowing the yams to remain shelf-stable for extended periods of time.
- Versatility: Canned candied yams can be enjoyed as a side dish or used in various recipes, such as pies and casseroles.
When using canned candied yams in recipes, it’s important to follow the instructions provided on the can, as the cooking times and temperatures may vary. However, they can usually be heated in a saucepan, microwave, or oven until heated through.
Overall, canned candied yams offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of candied yams without the need for extensive preparation.
Benefits of cooking canned candied yams
When it comes to cooking, canned candied yams offer several benefits. Whether you are short on time or prefer the convenience of canned vegetables, here are some reasons why cooking with canned candied yams can be a great option:
1. Time-saving
Cooking with canned candied yams eliminates the need to peel, chop, and cook fresh yams, saving you valuable time in the kitchen. The yams are already peeled, sliced, and cooked to perfection, allowing you to simply open the can and proceed with your recipe.
2. Consistent flavor and texture
Canned candied yams are produced using a standardized process, ensuring that each can contains yams with consistent flavor and texture. This means that you can expect the same great taste and texture every time you cook with them, guaranteeing a delicious and satisfying dish.
3. Long shelf life
Canned candied yams have a long shelf life, making them a convenient pantry staple. They can be stored for months, allowing you to have a versatile ingredient on hand whenever you need it. This can be particularly useful when unexpected guests arrive or when you need to whip up a quick and tasty side dish.
4. Versatile ingredient
Canned candied yams can be used in a variety of recipes. From traditional Thanksgiving dishes like candied yam casseroles and sweet potato pies to everyday meals like roasted vegetables and breakfast hash, the possibilities are endless. Their natural sweetness adds a delicious flavor to savory and sweet dishes alike.
Overall, cooking with canned candied yams can save you time, offer consistent flavor and texture, provide a long shelf life, and be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Try incorporating canned candied yams into your favorite recipes and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness they bring to your meals.
Step-by-Step instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it is hot and ready when you are finished with the preparation.
Step 2: Drain the canned candied yams
Open the can of candied yams and use a strainer to drain the liquid. Make sure to discard the liquid and keep only the yams.
Step 3: Prepare the baking dish
Take a baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent the yams from sticking. This will make it easier to serve later on.
Step 4: Arrange the yams in the baking dish
Place the drained yams in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are evenly distributed. You can arrange them in a single layer or stack them, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Add the butter and seasonings
Dot the yams with small pieces of butter, evenly distributing it over the top. Sprinkle the yams with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Cover and bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the yams for approximately 30 minutes or until they are heated through.
Step 7: Remove the foil and broil
Remove the foil from the baking dish and turn the oven to broil. Place the dish back in the oven and broil the yams for an additional 5 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let the yams cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon them onto plates or a serving platter and enjoy your delicious canned candied yams!
Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|
1 can of candied yams | Open the can and drain the liquid. |
2 tablespoons of butter | Dot the yams with pieces of butter. |
2 tablespoons of brown sugar | Sprinkle the yams with brown sugar. |
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon | Sprinkle the yams with cinnamon. |
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg | Sprinkle the yams with nutmeg. |
A pinch of salt | Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the yams. |
Step 1: Preparing the yams
Before you can start cooking your canned candied yams, you’ll need to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Drain and rinse: Open the can of candied yams and pour them into a colander to drain off the syrup. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to remove any excess syrup.
2. Slice or dice: Decide whether you prefer your yams sliced or diced. If you prefer slices, use a sharp knife to cut the yams into evenly sized pieces. If you prefer diced yams, cut them into smaller, bite-sized cubes.
3. Optional: Add seasonings: If you want to enhance the flavor of your yams, consider adding some additional seasonings. Sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar on top of the yams and mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Note: The amount of seasonings you add depends on your personal preference. Start with a small amount and taste the yams. Add more if desired.
4. Preheat the oven: If you plan to bake the yams, preheat your oven to the desired temperature according to your recipe.
5. Set aside: Once the yams are prepared, set them aside while you prepare any additional ingredients or finish prepping your recipe.
Step 2: Making the candied syrup
To make the delicious candied syrup for your yams, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of brown 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
Here’s how you can make the candied syrup:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to the saucepan with the butter.
- Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the syrup simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Your delicious candied syrup is now ready to be poured over the canned yams!
Q&A
How long do I need to cook canned candied yams?
You need to cook canned candied yams for about 30 minutes.
What ingredients do I need to cook canned candied yams?
To cook canned candied yams, you will need 1 can of candied yams, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Can I add any additional ingredients to my canned candied yams?
Yes, you can add additional ingredients to enhance the flavor of your canned candied yams. Some popular additions include marshmallows, pecans, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
How do I make my canned candied yams more savory instead of sweet?
To make your canned candied yams more savory, you can reduce the amount of sugar and cinnamon used in the recipe. You can also add some herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to give it a savory twist.
Can I use fresh yams instead of canned yams?
Yes, you can use fresh yams instead of canned yams. Just peel and cut the fresh yams into cubes, then follow the same recipe instructions for cooking and seasoning them.
What are canned candied yams?
Canned candied yams are sweet potatoes that have been cooked, peeled, and packaged in a can with syrup. They are often used as a side dish or an ingredient in desserts.
How do I cook canned candied yams?
To cook canned candied yams, you can simply heat them on the stovetop or in the oven. If heating on the stovetop, pour the contents of the can into a saucepan and cook over medium heat until heated through. If using the oven, transfer the yams and syrup to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until heated through.