Candied Yams - Sweet Potatoes

6 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 30 m Total: 40 m Beginner
Candied Yams - Sweet Potatoes
Candied yams are a popular favorite at holiday time with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a sweet glaze. Although the trend is to cook the yams casserole style in the oven, my children really prefer this stovetop method of cooking yams.

Ingredients

  • 2 large cans yams or sweet potatoes No 3 size
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp lemon or orange zest (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup butter (if using baked sweet potatoes instead of canned)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Pour the liquid from the canned sweet potatoes into a 2 to 3 quart pan. Set the potatoes aside. Lemon or orange zest may be added for extra flavor.
  2. Mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon and combine with the reserved liquid. If using baked sweet potatoes instead of canned, melt 1/2 cup butter and mix with the sugars.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until mixture forms a light syrup, approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. One teaspoon vanilla extract may be added.
  4. Add the yams to the syrupy mixture, cooking an additional 10 minutes until potatoes are well glazed and thoroughly heated, stirring gently to coat.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use baked sweet potatoes. Peel and slice them, then use 1/2 cup melted butter mixed with the sugars instead of the canned liquid. You may need to add a splash of water to create enough syrup.

Q: Why is my syrup too thin?

A: The syrup needs to cook for the full 20 minutes to reduce and thicken properly. Make sure you're cooking at medium heat and stirring occasionally. If it's still thin, cook a few minutes longer before adding the yams.

Tips and Techniques

For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. The optional vanilla extract and citrus zest really brighten up the dish and are worth trying.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • granulated sugar: all brown sugar (1 cup total)
  • cinnamon: pumpkin pie spice
  • canned yams: fresh sweet potatoes, baked and peeled

Equipment Needed

  • 2 to 3 quart saucepan
  • wooden spoon for stirring

Historical Context

Candied yams have been a staple of Southern holiday tables for generations, though the term “yam” is actually a misnomer—most recipes use sweet potatoes. This stovetop method was more common before baked casseroles became trendy.