Tropical Candied Yams

These buttery, tropical candied yams are a unique and delicious side dish with unexpected flavors. Southern baked candied yams are a southern staple and while I did grow up in the American South, I wanted to put a different spin on a classic side dish. They are super fruity and very versatile. Because of the ingredients included in this yam recipe, you can make them around the holidays to complement what is already on the table, or any time of year. These are the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish! This recipe uses warm spices, lots of butter, brown sugar, and fruits to create something truly exceptional.

I’m participating in the 2021 Black History Virtual Potluck. A collaborative menu of recipes contributed by 40+Black bloggers from around the globe in honor of Black History Month. See a sampling of some of the amazing participant recipes down below.

I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of talented bloggers and foodies-I am so excited to share this with you!!

Watch me make Tropical Candied Yams here

Ingredients

• Yams (sweet potatoes) - the main ingredient in this dish
• Butter- helps cook the yams and adds delicate, buttery flavor- please see the note about butter in the "tips" section below
• Crushed Pineapple with juice- adds to the fruity nature of the recipe and lots of pineapple flavor 
• Brown sugar- helps thicken the sauce and adds sweetness
• Raisin assortment-adds tangy, fruity flavor
• Warm Spices-allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon add an earthy flavor
• Water- creates a syrup with the sugar and fruit juices and helps cook the sweet potatoes
• Salt- just a little bit of salt brings out all the flavors in the dish
• Chopped candied or toasted pecans-add a crunchy, nutty element

What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

True yams actually have white, starchy flesh inside and taste more like potatoes. Sweet potatoes are what you find most commonly in the grocery store- at least the most commercial grocery stores. People often get confused because they are so frequently mislabeled. Follow this link if you would like to learn more about this root vegetable. https://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/whats-the-difference-between-yams-and-sweet-potatoes

How to make Tropical Candied Yams

1. Complete any prep work necessary including measuring out any ingredients, peeling the skin, and slicing the sweet potatoes. Cut and slice the sweet potatoes so that they are as equally sized as possible. This will aid in the cooking process. 

2. Using a large pan, melt the butter before adding the sweet potatoes in a single layer. If all of the slices don't fit in a single layer it is okay to add one extra layer on top-just be sure to move them around during the cooking process so that the slices cook as evenly as possible. 

3. Add the water first. Distribute the rest of the ingredients across the top evenly including the brown sugar, spices, pineapple, and dried fruit. 

4. Cook them on the stovetop using low-medium heat. Moving the mixture periodically (about every 5-6 minutes) to ensure that the liquid isn't evaporating too quickly. The entire process should take about 20 minutes. Check the potatoes after this amount of time to see if they are fork-tender. If they have not cooked through, cover them and continue to cook until they are tender. 

Substitutions 

This is a fantastic sweet potato recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 I used crushed pineapple for this recipe but diced pineapple could work well too, especially if you enjoy more of a burst of pineapple flavor. I used an assortment of jumbo raisins here because I wanted them to shine through and bring their own specific texture. You can also use a smaller variety, of regular raisins, golden raisins, or other dried fruits!

Dark brown sugar can be used in place of light brown sugar.

How to store and reheat Tropical Candied Yams

Storing candied yams is really easy- simply allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for use at a later time. 

Freezing candied yams is easy as well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag for up to two weeks. To defrost, bring to room temperature on the counter.

To reheat, transfer yams to a microwave-safe dish and heat throughout. In order to reheat them in the oven: heat the oven to 375 degrees, transfer them to an oven-safe dish, cover them with aluminum foil, and heat throughout.

Variations

• In addition to utilizing the pineapple juice with the crushed pineapples, a bit of orange juice can be used for some additional fruity flavor. 
• Adding a ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract and ground ginger would deepen the flavors as well. 
• Maple syrup can be used to sweeten the dish as well however if using maple syrup, I would use a bit less brown sugar. If using this ingredient instead, use 2 tablespoons of brown sugar plus 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
• If you'd like these yams to look like sweet potato casserole, be sure to cook them in an oven-safe dish. Simply add some mini marshmallows to the top once the dish is finished cooking, then place the entire dish in the oven and broil until the marshmallows have browned on the top.

*Tips

• Use real butter for this recipe. Margarine or any type of butter substitute could produce different results

Enjoy these Tropical Candied Yams!!!

Here are more absolutely amazing contributions to the Black History Month Virtual Potluck. Please check them out!!

Trinidadian Beef Stew | Heal Me Delicious

Cornmeal Coo Coo Recipe | HomeMadeZagat

Caribbean Oxtail | Just Add Hot Sauce

Creole Oxtails Stew | Kenneth Temple

Sweet Potato Bundt Cake | Lenox Bakery

Brown Sugar Cornmeal Waffles w/ Sweet Tea Maple Syrup | Margaritas On The Rocks

Southern Potato Salad | Meiko And The Dish

Sugar Coated Vanilla Peanuts | Murielle Banackissa

Hoppin' John Fritters | Nik Snacks

Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits  | Pink Owl Kitchen

Lemon Pepper Honey Chicken Wings | Razzle Dazzle Life

BBQ Lentils over Grits | Rosalynn Daniels

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