If you’re looking for a deliciously sweet and savory dish to brighten up your holiday table, look no further than this Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans recipe. With its rich, buttery glaze and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that perfectly complements any festive spread. Imagine digging into creamy yams coated in a luscious mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices, all crowned with the nuttiness of pecans. It’s hard to resist such a warm, inviting flavor combination!
Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. You can have it ready to serve in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday gatherings. The best part? This dish is vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile side for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas feast, these candied yams will surely become a favorite among your guests.
Beyond their mouthwatering taste, yams are also a nutritious choice. They’re high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this delightful dish not just delicious but also a healthy addition to your holiday meal. Embrace the warmth and joy this dish brings to your celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans
- Irresistible sweetness: The combination of brown sugar and maple syrup creates a luscious glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of yams.
- Textural contrast: The addition of toasted pecans adds a wonderful crunch that perfectly offsets the creamy yams.
- Easy preparation: This recipe is straightforward and allows you to whip it up in less than an hour.
- Perfect for holidays: Candied yams make a great festive side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebrations.
- Vegetarian: A delicious option that caters to various dietary preferences.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making your Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. First, make sure your ingredients are ready and your workspace is clean. For this recipe, a few key tools include:
- A sharp knife and cutting board for peeling and slicing your yams.
- A 1-quart baking dish to hold all the yummy ingredients together.
- A small skillet for toasting the pecans which gives them a delightful flavor.
- A saucepan to melt the butter and create the delicious glaze.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
Having everything prepped will allow you to enjoy the cooking process without feeling rushed. Once your workspace is ready, you can begin the fun part — creating this sweet and savory dish!
Ingredients
- 2 medium yams (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil for toasting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures even cooking and perfect texture, so don’t skip this!
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
While your oven is heating, lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish with a little butter or oil to prevent the yams from sticking. This coat will help you serve the dish easily later on.
Step 3: Toast the Pecans
In a small skillet over medium heat, add the pecan halves along with a drizzle of vegetable oil. Stir them frequently for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for them to become fragrant and just lightly colored. Once they’re toasty, transfer them to a plate to cool.
Step 4: Layer the Yams
Now, take the prepared baking dish and layer the yam rounds evenly on the bottom. Make sure they are spread out nicely for even cooking. This arrangement will allow the glaze to soak into every piece.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquid. Once melted, add light brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Stir this mixture continuously until it becomes smooth and just starts to bubble. This bubbling action signals that the sugars are dissolving properly and mingling with the spices for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Coat the Yams
Pour the lovely glaze over the yam rounds, ensuring each piece is well coated. Gently toss the yams to help them absorb that delicious mixture. Be careful, as you don’t want to break the delicate yams.
Step 7: Baking Time
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. This step steams and tenderizes the yams perfectly. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil, toss the yams again, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The result should be tender yams with a beautifully thickened glaze.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the yams are tender and the glaze is sticky and rich, take them out of the oven and sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top. This adds a delightful crunch and elegance just in time for serving!
Variations
- Protein: Add chopped bacon or sausage for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Mix in additional vegetables like parsnips or carrots for a varied texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with replacing cinnamon with pumpkin spice or adding vanilla extract to the glaze for an aromatic kick.
Cooking Notes
- Cut the yams into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the pecans longer without burning them.
- If you want a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re in luck!
- Make ahead by preparing the glaze and yams earlier, then bake them just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side dish alongside roasted turkey or ham for holiday meals.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a vibrant meal.
Tips
- For added sweetness, a touch of honey can be drizzled over the finished dish.
- As yams can vary in size, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they become tender but not mushy.
- Leftover candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain the glaze’s stickiness.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used instead of yams, but they may change the flavor slightly given their different sweetness levels.
How can I store leftovers?
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based option like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Can I add other nuts?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Other nuts like walnuts or almonds can make great substitutes for pecans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans recipe is an exceptional choice for holiday feasts, offering a delicious mix of flavors and textures that will surely impress your guests. The warm, sweet glaze perfectly complements the creamy yams, while the toasted pecans add the perfect finishing touch. Plus, it’s a vegetarian dish that everyone can enjoy! Take some time to make this delightful dish; we promise that it will receive rave reviews. Don’t forget to experiment with your own variations, and feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously sweet and savory dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yams (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil for toasting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish with a little butter or oil.
- In a small skillet, toast the pecan halves with vegetable oil over medium heat until fragrant.
- Layer the yam rounds evenly in the baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add brown sugar, maple syrup, spices, and salt; stir until smooth and bubbly.
- Pour the glaze over the yams and toss gently.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over yams before serving.
Notes
Adjust cooking time for yam size to ensure tenderness without mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 2 g