Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite yams recipe! These yams are not just delicious; they’re super easy to whip up and can complement any meal. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish always shines. I love how the buttery, sweet flavors blend together, making every bite a little piece of heaven. The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to pull this off! Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting side dish that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds yams, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab your yams. You’ll want to peel them and chop them into bite-sized cubes. This makes them cook evenly and gives you that creamy texture we’re aiming for!
Cooking the Yams
Now, take those lovely yam cubes and toss them into a pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil, and let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. That’s the sweet spot for perfect mashing, so don’t skimp on the timing!
Mashing and Seasoning
Once the yams are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Here comes the fun part! Add in the butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Now, mash everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use a potato masher for this, but a fork works too—just don’t be shy! You want a velvety consistency, so keep mashing until you reach your desired creaminess. Trust me, the aroma of those spices will make your mouth water!
Baking the Mixture
Transfer your delicious yam mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. This step ensures everything is heated through and all those flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling a little at the edges—yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Deliciously sweet and buttery flavor that pairs well with any main dish
- Comforting and satisfying, making it a family favorite
- Can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as good!
Tips for Success
To make this yams recipe truly shine, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness to your liking! If you prefer a more caramelized taste, add a bit more brown sugar or even a drizzle of maple syrup—yum! Pair these yams with roasted meats like chicken or pork for a delightful balance of flavors. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy kick! Oh, and remember, leftovers are your friend; they make for a fantastic breakfast when reheated and served with eggs. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for this delightful yams recipe! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get about 4g of fiber—pretty great, right? Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so adjust based on your specific ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes would work wonderfully in this recipe, giving a slightly different flavor but just as delicious. You’ll love it!
How do I know when the yams are done boiling?
You’ll want to check for tenderness with a fork. If it slides in easily, they’re ready to go!
Can I make this yams recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture. You could also use the microwave, but it might lose some creaminess.
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
For sure! Feel free to experiment with ginger, cloves, or even a bit of vanilla for a unique twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator where they’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that creamy texture intact!
Print
Yams Recipe: 5 Comforting Steps to Heavenly Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious yams recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds yams
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel the yams and cut them into cubes.
- Boil the yams in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the yams and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mash the yams until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: yams recipe, sweet potatoes, side dish
