Description
Southern Candied Yams are a warm, comforting side dish featuring tender yams glazed in a luscious blend of natural brown sugar, plant-based butter, spices, and a bright hint of orange juice. This classic Southern recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and spice with a glossy finish, ideal for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh yams, peeled and sliced into bite-sized rounds
- 1 cup natural brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon natural cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon natural nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Yams: Peel and slice the fresh yams into even, bite-sized rounds or chunks. Rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess starch and ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook the Yams: Place the yam pieces in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes or until just tender. Drain carefully and set aside.
- Make the Glaze: In the same pan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add natural brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, natural vanilla extract, orange juice, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a fragrant, bubbly glaze.
- Combine Yams and Glaze: Add the cooked yams back into the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss to coat every piece. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly over the mixture and stir continuously until the glaze thickens and clings beautifully to the yams, creating a shiny finish.
- Bake for Perfection: Transfer the yams and glaze mixture into a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze further and enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cut yams into similar sized pieces for even cooking and glaze absorption.
- Simmer the glaze gently to avoid burning sugars and develop deep flavors.
- Use fresh cinnamon and nutmeg for the most aromatic results.
- Soak yam slices in water for 20 minutes before cooking to reduce starch and improve glaze absorption.
- Monitor baking to prevent over-caramelization and ensure tender yams.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Southern Candied Yams, candied yams, plant-based yams, vegan yams, sweet Southern side dish, holiday side dish
