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What Are Candied Yams?
A yam is a root tuber that grows on the vine of the tropical plant Dioscorea batatas. Yams are often confused with another type of tuber, the sweet potato, and used interchangeably in recipes; however, although the texture is similar, yams may not be as sweet and may require additional sugar for sweet dishes. One of the most widely used sweet dishes for the tuber is candied yams, in which yams are cooked with a syrup base.
If fresh yams are used to make candied yams, they may require some prep prior to being used in the dish. Yams have a tough outer skin that most cooks prefer to peel off before cooking. Although the size and shape may vary depending on personal preferences, recipes often call for the yams to be cut into bite size cubes. If using canned yams, no other preparation is usually recommended.
Once the yams are prepared, they are generally covered in a sweet sauce that will thicken as it cooks to form syrup which adheres to the yams. Common candied yams recipes often use sugar, corn or maple syrup, and a variety of spices like ground nutmeg or cinnamon. Other flavoring ingredients for the sauce include citrus zest and juice, or vanilla extract. The sweetness of the dish will typically widely range depending on personal preference, with some recipes recommending higher amounts of sugar and other sweeteners than others.
The process of making candied yams tends to be considered relatively basic. The peeled yam pieces are usually placed in a baking dish and then covered with the sauce. If the sauce has a high amount of sugar, it may be recommended to partially cook the yams before combining with the sauce because the sugar may burn before raw yams are fully cooked. It may be recommended to periodically take the dish out of the oven and stir the yams to ensure they are evenly coated with the syrup.
Candied yams are generally served warm soon after they are done cooking. Depending on the amount of sweeteners used in the recipe, the yams may be either served as a side dish or as a dessert. The dish tends to pair well with pork or poultry, as well as other root vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots.
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![Fresh yams might need to be cut into cubes before being candied.]()
By: BillFresh yams might need to be cut into cubes before being candied. -
![Maple syrup can be used to make the syrup base for candied yams.]()
By: Bert FolsomMaple syrup can be used to make the syrup base for candied yams.
Discussion Comments
For a tasty twist on your favorite candied yam recipe, try adding a handful of marshmallows. They add a sweet, gooey goodness to the dish with flavor that goes great with yams.
@talentryto- I agree with you about the flavor of canned yams, but the problem is very easy to fix. When I make candied canned yams, I start by pouring off the majority of the broth that is in the can. Next I add my favorite sweeteners to the cooking pan. I like to use a little bit of butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar. I like brown sugar instead of white sugar because I think that it gives the yams a richer flavor.
When you mix the sweetening ingredients with your canned yams, you may find that you need to add a little more broth. If so, all you have to do is pour a little bit of water over them while they cook. Add your favorite spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and you will have a delicious recipe for great candied yams right out of a can.
I like using canned candied yams because they are already peeled and ready to cook. The problem with most canned yam brands in my opinion is that they aren't sweet enough. What can I do to improve the flavor of canned yams that are already in a sweetened broth?
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