Description
Southern Candied Yams are a comforting and naturally sweet side dish featuring tender yams glazed in a luscious, plant-based syrup enriched with warm spices and natural gelling agents. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, this vegan-friendly recipe delivers rich, cozy flavors and an appealing glossy finish that enhances both taste and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Yams
- 4 cups fresh, firm sweet yams, peeled and sliced
Syrup Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Yams: Peel the yams and cut them into even slices or chunks for uniform cooking. Rinse to remove excess starch and pat dry to help the syrup adhere better.
- Make the Syrup Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine plant-based butter, brown sugar (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cinnamon (natural), ground nutmeg (natural), and natural gelling agent. Heat gently while stirring constantly until everything dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Combine Yams and Syrup: Place the prepared yams in a baking dish and pour the warm syrup glaze over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup to maximize flavor and achieve a shiny glaze. The yams should be tender inside and caramelized outside.
- Final Touches: Allow the yams to cool slightly after baking so the syrup thickens further, creating a sticky, glossy coating on every bite.
Notes
- Choose fresh yams to ensure tenderness and natural sweetness.
- Slice yams evenly for uniform cooking and texture.
- Measure the natural gelling agent precisely to avoid overly thick or runny glaze.
- Baste yams halfway through baking to enhance flavor and shine.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the syrup to set perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied yams, sweet yams recipe, southern side dish, vegan candied yams, plant-based yams
