Description

Southern candied sweet potatoes are more than just a dish—they’re a celebration of southern hospitality and comfort food at its finest. This classic side dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warm, rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Often served during the holidays or at Sunday dinners, candied sweet potatoes bring a touch of sweetness to the table, perfectly complementing savory dishes like roasted meats or greens. With roots deeply embedded in Southern culinary traditions, this recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving its simple yet indulgent nature. Let’s dive into how you can bring this Southern classic to your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Preparation Method

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into thick rounds or wedges, about 1/2 inch thick. The thickness ensures the potatoes hold their shape during the cooking process while still absorbing the rich syrup they’ll be cooked in.

Make the Syrup
In a large skillet or deep pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved, and the syrup begins to bubble slightly. This creates a fragrant, spiced syrup that will coat the sweet potatoes.

Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Carefully place the sweet potato slices into the bubbling syrup, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Let the sweet potatoes cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, occasionally stirring to make sure all pieces are evenly glazed. The sweet potatoes should become tender, but not mushy, and the syrup should thicken and cling to the potatoes, creating a beautiful caramelized coating.

Finishing Touches
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and the syrup has thickened to your liking, remove them from the heat. For an added layer of flavor, consider stirring in a teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end, giving the dish a deeper, aromatic sweetness.

Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the candied sweet potatoes to a serving dish, spooning the syrup over the top. These sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or even alongside a big helping of collard greens.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra touch of indulgence, try adding a handful of chopped pecans to the syrup in the last 10 minutes of cooking. The nuts will toast slightly in the syrup, adding a deliciously crunchy contrast to the soft, tender sweet potatoes. The combination of buttery pecans with the rich, sweet glaze elevates the dish to a new level of Southern decadence.

Alternatively, you can sprinkle mini marshmallows over the sweet potatoes before serving. Place the dish under the broiler for just a minute or two to toast the marshmallows, creating a lightly caramelized, golden-brown topping. This twist is a nod to the beloved sweet potato casserole and adds an extra festive touch, especially during the holiday season.

Southern candied sweet potatoes are a testament to the beauty of simple, home-cooked food. The balance of sweet, buttery syrup with the natural earthiness of the potatoes creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a holiday meal, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy on a cozy evening, candied sweet potatoes bring warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and ability to be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer your sweet potatoes with a hint of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg or want to add a layer of crunch with toasted pecans, the possibilities are endless. No matter how you serve them, these Southern candied sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit at any table, reminding everyone of the charm and hospitality of Southern cooking.