What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused but are distinct vegetables. Yams have rough, dark, and scaly skin with white, starchy flesh and can grow much larger. Sweet potatoes usually have smooth, thinner skin and orange flesh, though varieties differ in color. In the U.S., what is labeled as “yams” in grocery stores are typically sweet potatoes. True yams are mostly found in African, Caribbean, or international markets. Knowing the difference helps with cooking, as yams generally need more cooking time and butter due to their starch content.

How do you make traditional candied yams?

Traditional candied yams are made by peeling and slicing sweet potatoes or yams, then cooking them in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Some recipes include orange juice or marshmallows on top. The dish is baked until the yams are tender and coated in a sweet, syrupy glaze. Cooking low and slow helps the flavors meld and creates a rich, tender result perfect for holiday meals.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams in candied yam recipes?

Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for yams in candied yam recipes. Most recipes calling for yams in the U.S. actually mean sweet potatoes, as true yams are less common. Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness and softer texture that works well in the dish. Just ensure to select firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best taste and appearance when making candied yams.

Are candied yams healthy to eat?

Candied yams provide vitamins like A and C from sweet potatoes, but the dish is typically high in sugar and butter, which add calories and fat. For a healthier version, reduce the amount of added sugar, use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, or replace butter with a heart-healthy oil. Moderation is key, especially during festive meals, to enjoy candied yams without significantly impacting your diet.

How can I store and reheat leftover candied yams?

Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwaving is quicker but can cause uneven warming. Adding a small splash of water or juice before reheating helps maintain moisture and prevents the yams from drying out.

Candied Yams Recipe With Sweet Spices For 2024

Name: Candied Yams
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 pounds sweet potatoes; 3/4 cup dark or light brown sugar; 1 cup white sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 1 stick butter; 4 tablespoons thawed frozen orange juice concentrate

Description

🍠 This Southern Candied Yams recipe combines sweet potatoes with warm spices for a comforting and flavorful side dish.
🍯 The rich syrup made from brown and white sugar with orange juice concentrate delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice worth savoring.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds sweet potatoes

3/4 cup dark or light brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1 stick butter

4 tablespoons thawed frozen orange juice concentrate

Instructions

1-First, begin by scrubbing, peeling, and slicing the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds. This prep work ensures even cooking and helps the flavors soak in nicely. Once done, combine the sliced sweet potatoes with the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, vanilla extract, butter, and orange juice concentrate in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Stir everything together to coat the potatoes evenly, creating a syrupy base.

2-Next, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and simmer for about 50 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After that, remove the cover, reduce the heat to medium, and let the liquid boil for another 10 minutes, stirring now and then until the syrup thickens and coats the sweet potatoes perfectly.

3-Finally, take the pot off the heat and keep the candied yams warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve. The whole process takes about 10 minutes of prep and 1 hour total cooking time, making it a quick win for home cooks. For extra tips, remember to use small, uniform slices for even cooking, adjust the sugar or vanilla to your liking, thin the syrup with water if it gets too thick, and feel free to make it up to three days ahead for convenience.

Notes

🍽️ Tip: Use small, uniform slices of sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking.
🍬 Tip: Adjust sugar and vanilla extract to your preferred sweetness and flavor.
💧 Tip: If syrup is too thick, thin it with a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Simmering and boiling
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 40 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: southern yams, candied yams, sweet potatoes, spiced side dish