Best 2 Chef Johns Candied Yams Recipes

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Chef John's Candied Yams is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for any occasion. This delicious side dish is made with sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its rich and flavorful taste, Chef John's Candied Yams are the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to your next meal. Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or just looking for a tasty treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHEF JOHN'S CANDIED YAMS



Chef John's Candied Yams image

Sure, everyone knows orange-fleshed sweet potatoes aren't really yams, but it makes for a shorter name. I'm not a huge sweet side dish person, but I make an exception for these candied yams that use lemon instead of orange juice as a sweetener.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Sweet Potatoes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 quarts cold water
3 pounds orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Chopped pistachios, pecans, or walnuts for garnish

Steps:

  • Stir salt into 2 quarts cold water in a large pot. Transfer sweet potato pieces to pot and place over high heat; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are not quite tender but still cooked, 5 to 7 minutes. Use the tip of a knife to test for doneness. Drain.
  • Place brown sugar, butter, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, and pinch of salt in a skillet. Place over medium-high heat, stirring until glaze ingredients melt and start bubbling. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to thicken up, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Transfer drained sweet potatoes to skillet. Raise heat to high and cook and stir until potatoes are coated with glaze and very tender, and glaze has thickened, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to serving dish; garnish with chopped nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.6 calories, Carbohydrate 69.6 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 2293.9 mg, Sugar 40.1 g

CHEF JOHN'S CANDIED YAMS



Chef John's Candied Yams image

This is my recipe for candied yams. Sure, everyone knows orange-fleshed sweet potatoes aren't really yams, but it makes for a shorter name. I'm not a huge sweet side dish person, but I make an exception for this recipe that uses lemon instead of orange juice as a sweetener.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Sweet Potato Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 quarts cold water
3 pounds orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Chopped pistachios, pecans, or walnuts for garnish

Steps:

  • Stir salt into 2 quarts of cold water in a large pot. Transfer sweet potato pieces to the pot and place over high heat; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are not quite tender but still cooked, 5 to 7 minutes. Use the tip of a knife to test for doneness. Drain.
  • Place brown sugar, butter, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, and pinch of salt in a skillet. Place over medium-high heat, stirring until glaze ingredients melt and start bubbling. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to thicken, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Transfer drained sweet potatoes to a skillet. Increase heat to high; cook and stir until potatoes are coated with glaze and very tender, and glaze has thickened, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to serving dish; garnish with chopped nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.6 calories, Carbohydrate 69.6 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 2293.9 mg, Sugar 40.1 g

Tips:

  • Selecting the right yams: Choose firm and plump yams without blemishes or bruises.
  • Peeling the yams: Use a sharp knife to peel the yams, being careful not to remove too much of the flesh.
  • Cutting the yams: Cut the yams into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Soaking the yams: Soaking the yams in cold water for 30 minutes helps to remove excess starch and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
  • Using a heavy saucepan: A heavy saucepan helps to distribute heat evenly and prevents the yams from burning.
  • Adding the spices: Add the spices to the saucepan along with the yams and water. This will help to infuse the yams with flavor.
  • Simmering the yams: Simmer the yams gently over low heat until they are tender. This may take 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the yam pieces.
  • Adding the sugar and butter: Once the yams are tender, add the sugar and butter and stir until they are dissolved. This will help to create a sweet and glossy glaze.
  • Garnishing the yams: Garnish the yams with chopped pecans or marshmallows before serving.

Conclusion:

Candied yams are a delicious and classic side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal. By following these tips, you can make sure that your candied yams turn out perfectly every time. Whether you prefer them soft and gooey or slightly firm, there is a recipe in this article that will suit your taste. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make some delicious candied yams.

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