Ingredients
Cut 2-3 large sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
To make this delicious Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe, you will need to start by preparing the main ingredient – sweet potatoes. Choose 2-3 large sweet potatoes and carefully cut them into 1-inch cubes. This is an important step as it will determine the texture of your final product.
To achieve uniform pieces, use a sharp knife and try to make each cube as close in size as possible. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don’t fall apart during the cooking process. Place the cut sweet potato cubes into a large pot or container and set them aside for now.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup.
The ingredients for candying sweet potatoes are quite simple, yet essential to bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a deliciously sticky glaze.
To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: chopped nuts or marshmallows for added texture and flavor
- When choosing sweet potatoes, look for ones with a vibrant orange color and a smooth skin. You can also use yams if you prefer, as they have a similar texture to sweet potatoes.
The honey or maple syrup will add a rich sweetness to the dish, so feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. If using maple syrup, be aware that it has a stronger flavor than honey and may require less in proportion.
Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the saucepan.
To create a delicious and sweet candied sweet potatoes dish, it’s essential to have the right ingredients at hand.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, high-quality sweet potatoes for the best results. You can use either regular or yam-type sweet potatoes.
- Granulated Sugar: A mixture of granulated and brown sugar adds a rich flavor to the dish.
- Brown Sugar: This type of sugar is caramelized during cooking, giving the sweet potatoes their signature flavor.
- : We use butter for this recipe to add moisture and flavor.
- Water or Chicken Broth: Adding a liquid helps to thin out the sugar mixture and promotes even cooking.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, while preventing over-sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a subtle yet delicious depth to the dish.
- Pecans or Marshmallows (optional): For an extra crunchy and sweet topping, add some chopped pecans or marshmallows during cooking.
Now let’s focus on adding two key ingredients: butter and vanilla extract. The first step is to add:
- Add 2 tablespoons of Butter to the Saucepan: This amount helps balance the sweetness and provides moisture, which enhances the overall flavor profile. Melt the butter over medium heat in your saucepan until it’s fully incorporated.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract: Once melted, carefully add the vanilla extract to the saucepan. Stir well to combine with the melting butter and evenly distribute the flavor throughout the dish.
- Continue cooking as instructed in the recipe for the best results. Enjoy your delicious candied sweet potatoes!
Instructions
Cook the sweet potato cubes in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender.
The first step in creating this delectable dessert is to cook the sweet potato cubes in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. This initial cooking process helps to break down some of the starches and makes the sweet potatoes easier to work with later on.
After cooking the sweet potato cubes, drain them thoroughly in a colander under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess moisture. This step is crucial in preventing the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy or overcooked during the candying process that follows.
Once the sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, proceed to peel and chop any remaining pieces of sweet potato into smaller cubes. You should now have a uniform mixture of cooked and uncooked sweet potato cubes, ready for the next step in this recipe.
In a large saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of light corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugars have dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar mixture.
Pour the sugar mixture over the prepared sweet potatoes in a large bowl or casserole dish. Toss gently to coat the sweet potatoes evenly with the sugar mixture, taking care not to break up the sweet potatoes.
Cover the bowl or casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if desired. This step allows the sweet potatoes to absorb all the flavors of the sugar mixture and become even more tender.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the sweet potatoes from the refrigerator and pour them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle any remaining sugar mixture over the top of the sweet potatoes, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water over medium heat.
The process of following instructions is an essential part of any recipe, and in this case, the Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe requires careful attention to detail to achieve perfect results.
The first step involves combining sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan. This mixture is crucial for creating the syrup that coats the sweet potatoes later on. To ensure successful completion of this step, it’s essential to use medium heat.
When using medium heat, the mixture will melt gradually without burning or browning too quickly. This controlled temperature allows for even heating and prevents hotspots from forming in the saucepan. As a result, the sugar and corn syrup dissolve uniformly, creating a smooth syrup base.
As you stir the mixture occasionally, be mindful of the heat source and the saucepan’s material. Glass or stainless steel pans are ideal choices as they can withstand high temperatures without risking thermal shock or contamination.
It is also crucial to keep in mind that using too much water will result in a diluted syrup, while insufficient water may lead to uneven heating or burning of the sugar and corn syrup mixture. The 1/4 cup water ratio ensures the perfect balance for achieving a rich and flavorful syrup.
Maintaining medium heat throughout this step allows you to closely monitor the mixture’s progress without risking its integrity. This attention to detail enables you to adjust the heat level accordingly, if necessary, to prevent scorching or overcooking the sugar mixture.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
To create this delicious candied sweet potato dish, you will need to follow a series of steps that require precision and attention to detail. The first step involves cooking the sweet potatoes in a way that brings out their natural sweetness.
Here is a list of what you’ll need to get started:
- 2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Now, let’s get started with the instructions.
Step 1: Bring to a Boil
Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the water to a boil. This is an important step as it helps to loosen the starches on the surface of the sweet potatoes, making them easier to cook.
Step 2: Reduce Heat and Simmer
Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the sweet potatoes to cook through while still retaining some of their natural texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, water, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 4: Add the Sugar Mixture to the Sweet Potatoes
Add the sugar mixture to the sweet potatoes in the large saucepan and stir gently to combine. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid has thickened into a syrupy consistency.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the candied sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations
For an extra crunchy coating, toss the sweet potatoes with flour or cornstarch before cooking.
To take your candied sweet potato recipe to the next level, consider these tips and variations for an extra crunchy coating:
- Toss the sweet potatoes with flour or cornstarch before cooking
- Add some crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts or seeds on top of the sweet potatoes during the last 10-15 minutes of baking
- Try using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar, turbinado sugar, or Deme rara sugar, for a unique flavor and texture
- Add some spice to your candied sweet potatoes by sprinkling with cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice
- For a grown-up twist, try adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or Grand Marnier to the sweet potato mixture before baking
- To add some extra moisture and flavor to your candied sweet potatoes, drizzle with honey or maple syrup during the last 10-15 minutes of baking
- Experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, for a non-dairy version of the recipe
Some other tips to keep in mind when making candied sweet potatoes include:
- Choose sweet potatoes that are high in moisture and have a smooth, even texture for the best results
- Don’t over-mix the sweet potato mixture, as this can make the sweet potatoes tough and unpleasant to eat
- Let the sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving, as they will be very hot and tender when they come out of the oven
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and memorable candied sweet potato dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
To add a hint of spice, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg over the sweet potatoes after they’re cooked.
- To add an extra layer of flavor to your candied sweet potatoes, try sprinkling a pinch of warm spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg over them after they’re cooked.
- This simple addition can make a big impact on the overall taste and aroma of your dish.
- Cinnamon is a classic pairing with sweet potatoes, and adds a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Nutmeg, on the other hand, has a slightly more subtle, nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Either way, be sure to sprinkle the spices over the sweet potatoes while they’re still warm, so that the flavors can meld together and the aromas can fill the air.
- You can also experiment with other warm spices such as ginger or allspice, to add an extra layer of flavor to your candied sweet potatoes.
- Another variation is to top your candied sweet potatoes with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of marshmallows, for a sweet and indulgent treat.
- For a more savory take on candied sweet potatoes, try adding some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to the mixture before cooking.
- You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to add a deeper flavor to your candied sweet potatoes.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own unique variations on the classic candied sweet potato recipe!
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