Save As the holiday season draws near, there is nothing more comforting than a warm, sweet-savory side dish that fills the kitchen with the scent of spices. These mashed candied yams offer a velvety texture and a rich flavor profile, blending the natural sweetness of tender yams with creamy butter and aromatic cinnamon. Whether you are hosting a festive dinner or simply craving a cozy autumn meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the careful balance of warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, which enhance the yams without overpowering them. Adding a splash of vanilla extract elevates the sweetness, making every bite feel like a treat. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to focus on your main course while this reliable side dish practically prepares itself.
Ingredients
- Yams: 2 ½ lbs (about 1.1 kg) yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- Butter: 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Sugar: ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- Spices: 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ½ tsp salt
- Liquid: ¼ cup milk or half-and-half (use dairy-free if preferred)
- Extract: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Garnish (optional): ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, and additional cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place the peeled and cubed yams in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.
- Step 2
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the yams are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 3
- Drain the yams thoroughly and return them to the warm pot.
- Step 4
- Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, and vanilla extract to the yams.
- Step 5
- Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk for desired consistency.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your mashed yams are never watery, make sure to drain them thoroughly after boiling. You can even let them sit in the warm, dry pot for a minute after draining to allow excess steam to escape. For an extra-smooth texture, consider using a hand mixer instead of a potato masher, which will result in a whip-like consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is quite flexible to suit different dietary needs. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk such as oat or almond milk. If you want a deeper, more earthy sweetness, you can replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, folding the nuts directly into the mash provides a lovely contrast.
Serviervorschläge
These candied yams are a classic accompaniment to roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. They also shine as part of a vegetarian spread alongside roasted vegetables and stuffing. For a beautiful presentation, serve them in a rustic white bowl with a generous sprinkle of pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon on top.
Save Whether it is for a holiday feast or a simple Sunday dinner, these mashed candied yams bring a touch of sweetness and warmth to any table. Their ease of preparation and rich, spiced flavor make them a timeless side dish that your guests will ask for year after year. Serve them hot and enjoy the cozy atmosphere they create.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of yams are best for this dish?
Choose firm, sweet yams or sweet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks for easy mashing and a creamy texture.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk to keep it creamy without dairy.
- → How do I adjust sweetness or spice levels?
Adjust brown sugar or maple syrup to your sweetness preference and add more or less cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.
- → Is it necessary to garnish with nuts?
Garnishing with chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch and contrast but can be omitted for allergies or preferences.
- → How to reheat leftovers without drying out?
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring in a bit of milk or butter to maintain creaminess and moisture.