Southern Candied Yams: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Tradition

Southern candied yams are a staple dish in many African American households, particularly during the holidays. This sweet and savory side dish is a perfect accompaniment to traditional holiday meals, and its rich history and cultural significance make it a beloved tradition for many families. In this article, we’ll explore the history of southern candied yams, provide a simple recipe for cooking them, and offer some tips and variations to make this dish your own.

A Brief History of Southern Candied Yams

Candied yams have been a part of African American cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in West Africa, where yams were a staple crop. Enslaved Africans brought their knowledge of yam cultivation and cooking to the Americas, where they adapted their traditional recipes to use the sweet potatoes that were abundant in the New World.

Over time, candied yams became a popular dish throughout the Southern United States, particularly during the holidays. The dish was often served at family gatherings and special occasions, and its sweet and savory flavors made it a favorite among both children and adults.

Choosing the Right Yams

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to choose the right type of yams. While sweet potatoes are often referred to as yams, they are actually two distinct types of root vegetables. True yams are starchy and dry, with a rough, scaly skin. They are often used in savory dishes, such as stews and soups.

For southern candied yams, you’ll want to use sweet potatoes, which are sweeter and moister than true yams. Look for sweet potatoes that are high in moisture content, as these will yield the best results.

Types of Sweet Potatoes

There are several types of sweet potatoes that are well-suited for candied yams. Some popular varieties include:

• Jewel sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a sweet, nutty flavor and a smooth, orange flesh.
• Beauregard sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor and a firm, orange flesh.
• Garnet sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a sweet, earthy flavor and a soft, orange flesh.

A Simple Recipe for Southern Candied Yams

Now that we’ve covered the history and basics of southern candied yams, it’s time to dive into the recipe. Here’s a simple recipe that yields delicious results:

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced sweet potatoes and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are slightly tender.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, water, heavy cream, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, ginger, and cloves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid has thickened into a syrupy glaze.
5. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon some of the glaze over the top of each slice.
6. Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re caramelized and golden brown.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make this recipe your own:

• Use a mixture of white and brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
• Use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half for an even creamier glaze.
• Add some diced pineapple or orange zest to the glaze for a burst of citrus flavor.
• Use a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a warm, spicy flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cooking southern candied yams, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes. This can make them mushy and unappetizing.
• Don’t use too much sugar. This can make the dish overly sweet and cloying.
• Don’t skip the heavy cream. This adds a richness and creaminess to the glaze that’s essential to the dish.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any problems while cooking your southern candied yams, here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you get back on track:

• If the glaze is too thin, try reducing the heat and simmering it for a few more minutes.
• If the sweet potatoes are too hard, try cooking them for a few more minutes or adding a splash of water to the glaze.
• If the dish is too sweet, try adding a pinch of salt or a splash of citrus juice to balance out the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Southern candied yams are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

• Serve the candied yams as a side dish at your next holiday meal.
• Use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
• Add them to a fruit salad for a burst of sweetness and flavor.
• Use them as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Pairing Suggestions

Southern candied yams pair well with a variety of dishes, including:

• Roasted meats, such as turkey or ham
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Green beans or other steamed vegetables
• Cornbread or other sweet breads

Conclusion

Southern candied yams are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for the holidays. With their rich history and cultural significance, they’re a great way to connect with your heritage and traditions. By following the simple recipe outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So why not give southern candied yams a try this holiday season? Your taste buds – and your family – will thank you.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced sweet potatoes and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are slightly tender.

What is the origin of Southern Candied Yams?

Southern Candied Yams have their roots in traditional African American and Southern American cuisine. The dish is believed to have originated in the Southern United States, where yams were a staple crop. The candied yams were often served as a side dish, particularly during the holidays.

The exact origin of the recipe is unclear, but it is thought to have been influenced by various cultures, including African, European, and Native American. The dish was often made with ingredients that were readily available, such as yams, sugar, and spices. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and different variations have emerged, but the core ingredients and cooking method have remained relatively consistent.

What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused with one another, but they are actually two distinct types of root vegetables. Yams are a type of starchy root vegetable that is native to Africa and Asia. They have a rough, scaly skin and a starchy, dry flesh.

Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are a type of root vegetable that is native to the Americas. They have a smooth, thin skin and a sweet, moist flesh. While both yams and sweet potatoes can be used in candied yams, sweet potatoes are more commonly used in Southern cuisine.

What are the key ingredients in Southern Candied Yams?

The key ingredients in Southern Candied Yams include yams or sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and spices. The yams or sweet potatoes are typically boiled or baked until they are tender, then mashed or sliced and topped with a mixture of sugar, butter, and spices.

Other ingredients that may be included in Southern Candied Yams include marshmallows, nuts, and citrus zest. The marshmallows add a sweet, fluffy texture, while the nuts provide a crunchy contrast. The citrus zest adds a burst of citrus flavor to the dish.

How do I make Southern Candied Yams?

To make Southern Candied Yams, start by boiling or baking the yams or sweet potatoes until they are tender. Then, mash or slice the yams and place them in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, butter, and spices until well combined.

Pour the sugar mixture over the yams and top with marshmallows, nuts, or other desired toppings. Bake the yams in a preheated oven until the sugar is caramelized and the marshmallows are toasted. Serve the yams hot, garnished with additional spices or citrus zest if desired.

Can I make Southern Candied Yams ahead of time?

Yes, Southern Candied Yams can be made ahead of time. The yams can be boiled or baked and mashed or sliced a day or two in advance. The sugar mixture can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

To assemble the dish, simply combine the yams and sugar mixture in a baking dish and top with marshmallows, nuts, or other desired toppings. Bake the yams in a preheated oven until the sugar is caramelized and the marshmallows are toasted.

How do I store leftover Southern Candied Yams?

Leftover Southern Candied Yams can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, allow the yams to cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

To reheat, simply place the yams in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven until warmed through. Alternatively, the yams can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make Southern Candied Yams in a slow cooker?

Yes, Southern Candied Yams can be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine the yams, sugar mixture, and desired toppings in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

The slow cooker method is a great way to make Southern Candied Yams, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the yams to cook slowly and evenly. Simply serve the yams hot, garnished with additional spices or citrus zest if desired.