Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes

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Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes bring a warmth to the table that few ingredients can match. Growing up, sweet potatoes always graced our holiday feasts, often transformed into beautiful, caramelized treats thanks to the magic of brown sugar. Each bite offered a blend of sweetness and spice, captivating everyone’s taste buds.

As I learned my way around the kitchen, I discovered how to amplify their natural flavor with simple ingredients. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a heavenly glaze that elevates sweet potatoes to an enchanting side dish. The act of preparing this dish became a cherished ritual in my family.

Brown sugar candied sweet potatoes symbolize togetherness in our home, reminding us of the laughter shared around the dining table. Let’s explore this delightful recipe that turns ordinary sweet potatoes into a sweet sensation that everyone will adore.

Delicious Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes

Fundamentals

Brown sugar candied sweet potatoes balance sweetness and spice beautifully while maintaining the creamy texture that sweet potatoes are known for. This dish makes a perfect companion for family meals or festive occasions. You can easily prepare it in under an hour, making it a reliable recipe for any gathering.

The magic begins with four medium sweet potatoes, which serve as the foundation of this recipe. Sweet potatoes, packed with nutrients, offer a wholesome way to enjoy dessert-like flavors. The addition of brown sugar enhances their natural sweetness, allowing the potatoes to shine. The spices lend warmth and depth, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes everyone’s taste buds.

Preparation/setup

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to set your kitchen up for success. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven heats, gather your ingredients and tools. This includes a saucepan, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a baking dish.

Peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes may seem like a chore, but the aroma that fills your kitchen will be worth every moment. Slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple yet impactful:

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

These common pantry items unite to create an extraordinary dish.

Directions

Now let’s dive into the cooking process. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture becomes smooth.

Add the sweet potato slices into the saucepan, tossing them to coat evenly with that delightful brown sugar mixture. Once coated, transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking dish. Pour any remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor. To retain moisture, cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 30 minutes.

After the first 30 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step caramelizes the sweet potatoes beautifully, giving them that sought-after tenderness and rich flavor. You’ll know they are ready when a fork easily pierces through.

Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes

Enhancing Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes

Technique

Choosing the right technique is crucial for achieving the ideal candied sweet potatoes. Use a sharp knife and a steady hand while slicing the sweet potatoes. Even slices promote even cooking, eliminating the risk of some pieces being mushy while others remain firm.

During the cooking process, ensure you coat every slice thoroughly with the sweet, caramel-like sauce. This technique not only enhances flavor but also allows for an even distribution of spices.

Tips/tricks

To make this recipe even easier, consider prepping the sweet potatoes ahead of time. You can peel and slice them a few hours before cooking, storing them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Experimenting with the spices can also yield impressive results. For a little more warmth, add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the mix. Don’t hesitate to adjust the level of sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to match your family’s taste preference.

Perfecting the Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes

Perfecting results

For the best results with your candied sweet potatoes, focus on cooking times. If you prefer a more caramelized finish, bake uncovered for the last few minutes longer. This extra time creates a delightful texture and additional depth of flavor, delivering a dish that everyone will remember.

Ensure you monitor the sweet potatoes closely during the last few minutes. You want them soft with edges that become slightly crispy but not burnt. Finding the perfect balance leads to a delightful candied sweet potato experience.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your sweet potatoes become mushy, it might be due to overslicing. Always aim for uniform slices to ensure they cook evenly. If you find they aren’t browning as expected, increase the oven temperature slightly during the final phase, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

For more variety, consider mixing the sweet potatoes with other root vegetables such as carrots or parsnips for a beautiful mix of colors and flavors.

Serving the Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes

Serving/presentation

Presentation often enhances your dining experience. When serving your brown sugar candied sweet potatoes, arrange them neatly in the baking dish or transfer them to a serving platter. Pour any remaining sauce over the top for visual appeal and extra flavor.

Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or mint, can elevate the dish while adding a pop of color.

Pairings/storage

These candied sweet potatoes complement a variety of dishes such as roasted chicken or baked ham, making them suitable for family gatherings and holiday meals.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically last for 3 to 4 days. Reheating is simple; just pop them back in the oven or use the microwave for quick enjoyment.

Enjoying these delicious brown sugar candied sweet potatoes should become a family tradition, evoking fond memories and delicious moments for years to come.

The delight of cooking these sweet potatoes derives not only from their taste but from the essence of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and celebrating life’s joyous moments.

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Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potatoes


  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful side dish of sweet potatoes caramelized with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfect for family meals and special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Add sweet potato slices and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking dish and pour remaining sauce over the top.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Notes

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint. To prevent browning, store sliced sweet potatoes in cold water before cooking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: sweet potatoes, candied, brown sugar, side dish, holiday recipe, caramelized


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