Description
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes deliver a mouthwatering blend of caramelized sugars and creamy potato goodness. Rich buttery flavors meld with warm spices, creating a classic side dish that promises comfort and deliciousness for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
Sugars:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Butter and Liquid:
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces / 113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
Spices and Flavor:
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat a spacious skillet to medium temperature, creating an ideal environment for caramelizing sweet potatoes.
- Craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter and blending granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until seamlessly integrated and glossy.
- Gently nestle sweet potato slices into the aromatic syrup, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated with the fragrant mixture.
- Lower heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow potatoes to simmer for 20-25 minutes, periodically rotating them to promote even caramelization and prevent scorching.
- Monitor the transformation as the sauce thickens and the sweet potatoes soften, developing a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Once potatoes reach perfect tenderness, remove from heat and introduce vanilla extract, carefully folding to distribute the delicate flavor throughout the dish.
- Let the candied sweet potatoes rest momentarily, allowing the sauce to slightly cool and further thicken before serving.
- Present warm, showcasing the glistening, caramelized sweet potatoes that promise a decadent Southern-style dessert experience.
Notes
- Slice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization throughout the dish.
- Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes with deep orange color for maximum natural sweetness and best texture.
- Adjust sugar levels based on potato’s natural sweetness; taste and modify sugar quantity during cooking process.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with coconut oil and use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 263 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg