Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these irresistible candied yams! This classic dish brings warmth and sweetness to any table, perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners.
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
– 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped (optional)
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, brown sugar, butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir until the butter has melted and sugar has dissolved, about 4 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rosemary.
4. Arrange the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour the orange juice mixture evenly over the potatoes.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. Baste the potatoes every 7-8 minutes with the syrup from the bottom of the dish.
7. The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped pecans if desired.
Chef’s Tips:
– For extra richness, add a splash of bourbon to the sauce mixture.
– Try marshmallows instead of pecans for a classic twist.
– Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or used in sweet potato pie!
These candied yams are the epitome of comfort food, blending the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a luscious, spiced syrup. The addition of fresh rosemary adds a subtle earthy note that balances the sweetness perfectly. The orange juice not only adds brightness but also helps to create that irresistible syrupy glaze.
Whether you’re serving these as a side dish for Thanksgiving dinner or as a special treat on a chilly evening, these candied yams are sure to be a hit. The contrast between the tender, caramelized potatoes and the optional crunchy pecans creates a delightful texture experience. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is simply heavenly!
Enjoy this classic dish that brings together the best flavors of autumn in every delicious bite! ️
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