Candy yams are a beloved side dish, often featured during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their sweet and buttery flavor, combined with a rich caramelized glaze, makes them a crowd favorite. While traditionally baked, candy yams can also be made on the stove for a quicker and equally delicious result. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making candy yams on the stove.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yams or sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup water (if needed)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or marshmallows (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yams
Start by peeling and chopping the yams or sweet potatoes. You want to cut them into even chunks (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide) so they cook evenly. After peeling and cutting, rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch.
2. Boil the Yams
Place the chopped yams in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the yams for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy when you try to caramelize them later.
3. Drain and Set Aside
Once the yams are tender, drain them in a colander and set them aside. Allow them to rest for a few minutes to cool slightly before you begin the candy-making process.
4. Prepare the Glaze
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture to combine everything thoroughly. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the mixture to thicken slightly. You should see the glaze start to bubble and become a rich, amber color.
5. Add the Yams to the Glaze
Add the drained yams back into the pot with the glaze. Stir gently to coat all the yams with the sweet syrup. If the mixture looks too thick, add a little water (about 1/4 cup) to help the glaze spread more evenly over the yams.
6. Caramelize the Yams
Continue cooking the yams on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the yams don’t stick to the bottom of the pot and the glaze doesn’t burn. The goal is to let the syrup thicken and coat the yams, creating a caramelized, glossy finish. You’ll know the candy yams are ready when the glaze has thickened to a syrup-like consistency, and the yams are beautifully coated in the glaze.
7. Optional: Add Garnishes
If you like, sprinkle some chopped pecans or top with marshmallows for added texture and flavor. Pecans will add a nice crunch, while marshmallows will melt and provide a gooey, sweet topping. Let the candy yams cook for another minute or two to allow the marshmallows to melt if using.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the yams are fully caramelized and coated in the sweet glaze, they’re ready to serve! Transfer the candy yams to a serving dish and enjoy them hot as a delicious side dish to complement any meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less brown sugar or syrup. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to get creative with your spice mix. A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can add an extra layer of warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Sautéed Onions: Some people like to add a small amount of sautéed onions or garlic to their candy yams for a savory-sweet flavor contrast. If you want to try this, cook the onions in the butter before adding the sugar and spices.
- Slow Cook for Extra Flavor: If you have extra time, you can lower the heat and let the yams simmer in the glaze for longer to allow the flavors to meld even more. Just be sure to keep an eye on the pot to prevent burning.
Conclusion:
Making candy yams on the stove is a simple, quick, and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. The result is tender yams in a sweet, spiced glaze that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or as a tasty weeknight side dish, candy yams are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.