Description
Southern Candied Yams are a cozy and comforting side dish featuring tender yams coated in a rich, glossy glaze made from natural and simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, this classic southern recipe offers a warm, sweet flavor that complements a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
Yams
- 4 cups firm yams, peeled and sliced into rounds or chunks
Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Pinch of salt
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty crunch)
- Pinch of cayenne or nutmeg (for spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (for citrus brightness)
- Substitute 1/4 cup brown sugar (natural) with 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural) (for maple twist)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yams: Peel and slice the yams into uniform rounds or chunks to ensure even cooking. Place them in a bowl and set aside while you make the glaze.
- Make the Sweet Glaze: In a saucepan, melt the plant-based butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cinnamon (natural), pinch of salt, and the natural gelling agent. Simmer gently, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens into a glossy, syrupy consistency that will coat the yams well.
- Combine Yams and Glaze: Transfer the sliced yams into a baking dish and pour the warm glaze over them. Make sure every piece is generously covered to saturate the yams with flavor and sweetness.
- Bake Until Tender and Caramelized: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Cook until the yams are fork-tender and the glaze thickens further into a sticky, beautiful coating.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the yams rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm to enjoy the syrup pooling around the tender yams for a delicious experience.
Notes
- Choose fresh yams with vibrant orange flesh for best taste and texture.
- Cut yams evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a visually attractive presentation.
- Simmer the glaze slowly and properly to avoid burning and achieve a perfect sticky coating.
- Cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of baking to keep the yams moist, then uncover to allow caramelization.
- Stir gently during baking to avoid breaking the yams and to distribute the glaze evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Southern Candied Yams, sweet yams, baked yams, vegan yams, glazed yams, holiday side dish, southern recipe