Cooking Candied Yams to Perfection: A Comprehensive Guide

Candied yams are a popular side dish, especially during the holidays. They’re sweet, tender, and pair well with a variety of main courses. However, cooking candied yams can be a bit tricky, and the cooking time may vary depending on several factors. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods of cooking candied yams, the factors that affect cooking time, and provide some tips for achieving perfectly cooked candied yams.

Table of Contents

Understanding Candied Yams

Before we dive into the cooking time, let’s first understand what candied yams are. Candied yams are a type of sweet potato dish that’s cooked in a sugar syrup. They’re often confused with yams, but technically, yams are a different type of root vegetable. In the United States, what’s commonly referred to as yams are actually sweet potatoes.

Candied yams are made by boiling or baking sweet potatoes, then topping them with a mixture of sugar, butter, and spices. The sweet potatoes are then cooked in the sugar syrup until they’re tender and caramelized.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

The cooking time for candied yams can vary depending on several factors, including:

The size and shape of the sweet potatoes: Larger sweet potatoes take longer to cook than smaller ones.
The cooking method: Boiling, baking, or microwaving can affect the cooking time.
The temperature: Higher temperatures can reduce the cooking time, but may also affect the texture and flavor of the sweet potatoes.
The type of sweet potatoes: Different varieties of sweet potatoes have varying levels of starch and moisture, which can affect the cooking time.

Cooking Methods and Times

There are several ways to cook candied yams, each with its own cooking time. Here are some of the most common methods:

Boiling

Boiling is a popular method for cooking candied yams. To boil candied yams, place them in a large pot of salted water, cover the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Baking

Baking is another popular method for cooking candied yams. To bake candied yams, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork several times and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.

Microwaving

Microwaving is a quick and easy way to cook candied yams. To microwave candied yams, pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork several times and cook on high for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Candied Yams

Here are some tips for achieving perfectly cooked candied yams:

Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes that are high in moisture and have a sweet, nutty flavor.
Use the right cooking method: Boiling and baking are the most popular methods for cooking candied yams, but microwaving can be a quick and easy alternative.
Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes: Overcooking can make the sweet potatoes dry and unappetizing.
Use a sugar syrup that’s not too thick: A sugar syrup that’s too thick can make the sweet potatoes sticky and unappetizing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking candied yams:

Not piercing the sweet potatoes: Failing to pierce the sweet potatoes can cause them to explode in the oven or microwave.
Not using enough sugar syrup: Using too little sugar syrup can make the sweet potatoes dry and unappetizing.
Overcooking the sweet potatoes: Overcooking can make the sweet potatoes dry and unappetizing.

Conclusion

Cooking candied yams can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked candied yams every time. Remember to choose the right sweet potatoes, use the right cooking method, and don’t overcook the sweet potatoes. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a pro at cooking candied yams in no time.

Final Thoughts

Candied yams are a delicious and popular side dish that can add a touch of sweetness and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, candied yams are a great choice. So next time you’re in the kitchen, give candied yams a try and see how delicious they can be.

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more information on cooking candied yams, here are some additional resources:

What is the best type of yam to use for candying?

The best type of yam to use for candying is the Jewel or Beauregard variety. These types of yams are sweeter and have a softer, more moist texture than other varieties, making them ideal for candying. They also hold their shape well when cooked, which is important for achieving the perfect candied yam.

When selecting yams, look for ones that are firm and have no signs of bruising or soft spots. You can also use other varieties of yams, such as the Garnet or Covington, but they may not be as sweet or tender as the Jewel or Beauregard.

How do I prepare yams for candying?

To prepare yams for candying, start by washing them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, dry the yams with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the yams, and then slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds or cubes, depending on your desired texture.

It’s also a good idea to soak the sliced or cubed yams in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, drain the yams and pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. This step will help the yams cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming too sticky or mushy.

What is the best cooking method for candying yams?

The best cooking method for candying yams is boiling or steaming. Boiling or steaming helps to cook the yams evenly and prevents them from becoming too brown or caramelized. To boil the yams, place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork.

To steam the yams, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover with a lid. Steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork. You can also use a pressure cooker to cook the yams, but be careful not to overcook them.

How do I make the candying syrup?

To make the candying syrup, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of water in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly.

You can also add flavorings to the syrup, such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg, to give it a unique taste. Stir the flavorings into the syrup during the last minute of cooking. Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool slightly before using it to candy the yams.

How do I candy the yams?

To candy the yams, place the cooked yams in a large skillet or saucepan and pour the candying syrup over them. Place the skillet or saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the yams are coated in the syrup and caramelized. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat and the desired level of caramelization.

You can also add a little butter or oil to the skillet or saucepan to help the yams brown more evenly. Stir the butter or oil into the syrup during the last minute of cooking. Remove the yams from the heat and let them cool slightly before serving.

Can I make candied yams ahead of time?

Yes, you can make candied yams ahead of time. In fact, making them ahead of time can help the flavors to meld together and the yams to absorb the syrup more evenly. To make candied yams ahead of time, cook the yams and make the candying syrup as directed. Then, place the cooked yams in a large bowl or container and pour the syrup over them.

Cover the bowl or container with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, reheat the yams in the syrup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are warm and caramelized.

How do I store leftover candied yams?

To store leftover candied yams, place them in a large bowl or container and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the yams for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Before serving, reheat the yams in the syrup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are warm and caramelized.

You can also store the candied yams in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the yams overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the syrup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are warm and caramelized.