Southern candied yams (vegan)

Candied yams  – treat your loved ones this thanksgiving to some uber sweet southern style candied sweet potato yams.

I remember my first experience with trying a candied dish, it surprisingly wasn’t yams (yams are what Brits refer to as sweet potatoes) I tried some candied fruit. I don’t recall what type of fruit was candied, in fact I wasn’t even aware that I eating “candied fruit” at the time.

 As this has gone by I’ve learned to love all things candied included this delicious stove top southern candied yams. They are cooked to perfection, taste delicious and definitely one for those with a sweet tooth

Being a hardcore foodie affords me the opportunity to explore many recipes, including this one. You’re probably wondering why would I make a candied recipe if I wasn’t even enthusiastic about it in the first instance? Good question, well simply because I have fallen in love with candied sweet potatoes (yam).

What are Southern candied yams?

In short candied yams are sweet potatoes sauteed in a spiced infused syrup. These sweet yams are a traditional side dish for Americans during thanksgiving. This explains why this dish is more popular with the states compared to other countries. However you don’t have to live in America in order to embrace this dish, just try it!

Are candied yams the same thing as sweet potatoes?

Yes they are. Sweet potatoes are the main ingredient in making candied yams

It’s very simple to make and the taste is to die for, believe me!

How to make candied yams from scratch

Use large sweet potatoes – I suggest using two large sweet potatoes – peel them then cut into slices before halving each slice. You don’t have to half the slices as this is merely a matter of preference. I do this because I think it looks better.

Sauteeing  – The butter can be melted in a skillet or frying pan, you don’t need to use a fancy pan, just along as it’s non stick.

Adding your spices – don’t forgot when adding your spices to coat the yams to lock in the flavour

How long do Southern candied yams take to cook?

It takes almost a hour for the potatoes to completely soften and become candied but the wait is worth it, trust me. All that sweetness from the potatoes, mixed with the coconut sugar and butter will taste like haven in your mouth.

Can candied yams be made a head of time?

Yes, you are more than welcome to prep the yams, be it peeling them or simply making the entire batch the day before. Make sure to keep the dish in your refrigerator. Some people also cook their candied yams in the oven or crockpot

Candied yams are also……… 

• Gluten free
• Vegan
• Paleo friendly
• Suitable for home freezing – cut the yams, freeze and cook with butter and spices

East candied yams recipe (vegan)

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

Learn to make delicious stove top southern candied yams from scratch – Paleo, vegan, gluten free, dairy free

• Author: Charla
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Category: Appetiser

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup of dairy free butter
• 1/2 cup of coconut sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp himalayan pink salt

Instructions

1. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and carefully cut them into slices (discard the ends and outer skin).
2. Using a skillet on medium heat, proceed to melt the butter and stir in the spices.
3. Carefully fold in the sliced potatoes with pink salt and vanilla extract.
4. Reduce the heat, cover with lid and allow to cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The yams should be tender and soft to the touch – can prick with a fork. The butter and coconut sugar should have congealed into syrup texture.
5. Serve piping hot and enjoy!