Irresistible Candied Yams with Ginger and Orange Zest

A Decadent Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish

When the temperature drops and the cozy scent of baked goods fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the sweet and spiced aroma of candied yams with Ginger and Orange Zest wafting through your home. But today, we’re elevating this traditional favorite with an irresistible twist: the warm zing of ginger and the bright burst of orange zest. Picture soft, caramelized yams glazed with brown sugar and butter, accented by the spicy bite of fresh ginger and the citrusy kick of orange zest. It’s a melody of flavors that dance harmoniously on your taste buds, creating a dish that’s not just for the holidays but perfect for any time you crave comfort and warmth.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

Virginia Woolf.

This unique take on candied yams will turn heads at your next gathering and have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re looking to impress family at Thanksgiving dinner or add a vibrant side to your weeknight meal, these candied yams with ginger and orange zest are the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to transform humble yams into a show-stopping side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Candied Yams with Ginger and Orange Zest Recipe

1. A Flavor Explosion:

The combination of tender yams with the sweetness of brown sugar, the warmth of cinnamon, the kick of fresh ginger, and the tangy brightness of orange zest creates an unparalleled flavor profile. It’s sweet, spicy, and citrusy all in one bite!

2. Perfect for Any Occasion:

While candied yams are often associated with holiday feasts, this recipe is versatile enough to be served all year round. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

3. Simple Ingredients, Big Impact:

You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to make this dish shine. Yams, brown sugar, butter, fresh ginger, and oranges are all you need to create a gourmet-quality side that’s both impressive and easy to make.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly:

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and simply reheated before serving, making it a stress-free addition to your meal planning.

5. Nutrient-Rich and Satisfying:

Yams are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. When combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and the vitamin C boost from oranges, this dish not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also nourishes your body.

How to Make Candied Yams with Ginger and Orange Zest

Ingredients:

• 4 large yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Zest and juice of 1 large orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Yams: Arrange the sliced yams in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
3. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Coat the Yams: Pour the glaze over the yams, ensuring each piece is well coated. Use a spoon or spatula to turn the yams gently, coating them thoroughly in the mixture.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, gently stir the yams to recoat them with the glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional orange zest for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Candied with Ginger and Orange Zest

1. Choose the Right Yams: Select firm, unblemished yams with vibrant orange flesh. Avoid sweet potatoes, as their texture and flavor differ from yams.
2. Uniform Slices: Cut the yams into uniform slices to ensure even cooking. This helps each piece become perfectly tender without some being over or undercooked.
3. Don’t Skip the Fresh Ginger: While ground ginger can be used in a pinch, fresh ginger provides a more robust flavor and aromatic quality that elevates the dish.
4. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup. You can also substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
5. Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version of this dish.

Candied Yams with Ginger and Orange Zest Recipe FAQ

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People Also Ask

1. Why are my candied yams runny?

Candied yams can become runny for a few reasons:

• Excess liquid: Adding too much water, syrup, or butter can make the dish watery.
• Undercooking: If the syrup hasn’t had enough time to thicken, it will remain runny. Simmer the syrup longer to reduce it.
• Incorrect sugar ratio: Not using enough sugar can prevent the syrup from caramelizing properly.
• Solution: Reduce the liquid in the recipe, cook the syrup longer, or add a thickening agent like cornstarch.

2. How long can candied yams stay in the fridge?

Candied yams can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days:

• Storage tips: Place them in an airtight container or cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Reheating: Warm them gently in the oven or microwave to preserve their texture and flavor.

3. How do you know when yams are done cooking?

You can tell yams are done cooking by:

• Fork test: Insert a fork into the yams; they should be tender and easy to pierce.
• Syrup bubbling: In candied yam recipes, the syrup should be bubbling and slightly thickened.
• Appearance: The yams should look caramelized and glossy. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them mushy.

4. How much sugar is in candied yams?

The sugar content in candied yams depends on the recipe:

• Natural sugars: Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars, with about 5-6 grams per 100 grams of raw sweet potato.
• Added sugars: Typical candied yam recipes add around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar per serving, depending on the desired sweetness. For a healthier version, reduce the added sugar and rely more on the natural sweetness of the yams.

5. How to thicken up candied yams?

To thicken candied yams:

• Reduce the syrup: Cook the syrup over medium heat until it thickens, stirring frequently.
• Add a thickening agent: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the syrup while cooking.
• Use less liquid: Adjust the amount of water or butter to avoid excessive moisture. Properly thickened syrup will coat the yams without being runny.

6. How do you keep sweet potatoes from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy sweet potatoes:

• Avoid overcrowding: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking.
• Dry thoroughly: Pat the sweet potatoes dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
• Use high heat: Bake at 400-425°F (200-220°C) to achieve crispy edges.
• Add a light coating of oil: This helps with caramelization and prevents sticking. By following these steps, you’ll get perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with a great texture.

Common Mistakes When Making Candied Yams with Ginger and Orange Zest:

1. Using too much liquid: Excess water, syrup, or butter can result in a runny dish. Stick to the recipe’s proportions.
2. Skipping the reduction step: Failing to cook the syrup until thickened can leave the dish watery and underwhelming.
3. Overpowering with ginger: Adding too much ginger can overshadow the natural sweetness of the yams. Use it sparingly for a balanced flavor.
4. Not zesting the orange correctly: Avoid including the bitter white pith when zesting the orange.
5. Uneven cooking: Cutting the yams into uneven sizes can cause some pieces to overcook while others remain undercooked.

Conclusion

Candied Yams with Ginger and Orange Zest offer a flavorful twist on a classic side dish. The combination of sweet and tangy orange zest with a hint of ginger elevates the natural sweetness of the yams. To ensure success, avoid common pitfalls like using too much liquid or overcooking the yams. Take time to reduce the syrup for a rich, caramelized coating, and balance the spices for a harmonious flavor. This vibrant and aromatic dish is a standout addition to any holiday meal or special gathering!

Candied Yams with Ginger and Orange Zest

Thomas J. Moss

UltimateCandied Yams Recipe: A Sweet, Spicy, Citrus Explosion You Must Try!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings 8

Calories 270 kcal

Equipment

• Baking dish,
• Mixing bowl
• – Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 4 large yams peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Zest and juice of 1 large orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Prepare the Yams: Arrange the sliced yams in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
• Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
• Coat the Yams: Pour the glaze over the yams, ensuring each piece is well coated. Use a spoon or spatula to turn the yams gently, coating them thoroughly in the mixture.
• Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, gently stir the yams to recoat them with the glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional orange zest for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness level by reducing brown sugar as desired.

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 270 | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

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