Ella Walter
Canned yams are a convenient option for those seeking a quick and easy side dish, and they can be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker with minimal preparation. While some recipes suggest that canned yams may become mushy in a crockpot, others claim that this cooking method produces tender and delicious results. Preparing candied yams in a crockpot is especially popular during the holiday season, when oven space is limited.
Cooking Canned Yams in a Crock Pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of Cooking | Canned yams are easy to cook in a crock pot and require little preparation. |
| Taste | Crock pot candied yams are described as sweet, tender, and versatile. |
| Ingredients | Brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and marshmallows are commonly used. |
| Cooking Time | Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. |
| Nutritional Information | Calories: 199-455kcal, Carbohydrates: 25-86g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 4g. |
| Recipe Variations | Candied yams can be made with or without marshmallows, pecans, or walnuts. |
| Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes | True yams are different from sweet potatoes and should not be substituted in recipes. |
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What You'll Learn
Crock-Pot candied yams with marshmallows
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla
- Marshmallows
- Pecans (optional)
Instructions
First, place diced sweet potatoes in a large bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place over medium-low heat and continue to whisk until the butter and sugar are dissolved and smooth. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and stir to combine.
Next, spray an 8-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and transfer the potato mixture to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent burning. The yams are ready when the potatoes are softened and the liquid is thickened.
Once the potatoes are cooked, add half of the marshmallows and stir them in. Top with the remaining marshmallows and place the cover back on for a few minutes to let them melt. If you prefer your marshmallows browned, you can broil them for a few minutes before serving. You can also use a kitchen torch to brown the tops of the marshmallows.
Tips
- It is not recommended to use canned yams for this recipe as they will likely turn to mush. Fresh or frozen sweet potatoes are preferred.
- You can make this recipe in advance and leave it on the warm setting for up to 2 hours before serving.
- If you want to make this dish more like a sweet potato casserole, you can mash the potatoes once they are tender and then add the marshmallows.
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Canned yams vs. fresh yams
Canned yams are a convenient option as they often come pre-cut and can be cooked in a slow cooker without much effort. They are also easy to find in local grocery stores in the United States. However, they may not be suitable for all recipes. For example, if you try to cook canned yams in a Crock-Pot, they will likely turn to mush.
Fresh yams, on the other hand, can be harder to come by in the United States and are usually found in international or ethnic food stores. They are also more labour-intensive to prepare as they have a brown, rough, bark-like skin that is difficult to peel. However, the skin softens after heating. Fresh yams are also larger than sweet potatoes, with a size that can vary from that of a small potato to up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) or even 7 feet.
In terms of taste, canned yams are often packed in syrup, which makes them very sweet. Some people also think that canned goods taste "like a can". Fresh yams, on the other hand, are less sweet and much more starchy and dry. They also have a unique taste that differs from sweet potatoes.
Both canned and fresh yams can be cooked in a Crock-Pot, but the preparation methods differ. To cook canned yams in a Crock-Pot, simply drain the juice from the can and place the yam pieces into the slow cooker. You can then add melted butter and other seasonings as desired. Fresh yams, on the other hand, need to be peeled and chopped into small pieces before going into the Crock-Pot. You can then add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to taste.
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How to prepare yams for the Crock-Pot
Preparing yams in a Crock-Pot is a simple and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare yams in a Crock-Pot:
Selecting the Yams:
Firstly, it is important to note the difference between yams and sweet potatoes. In American cuisine, the names are often used interchangeably, but they are two distinct types of vegetables. True yams are native to Africa and parts of Asia and have bark-like skin with white flesh, while sweet potatoes are orange-fleshed and sweeter. For this recipe, it is recommended to use sweet potatoes, which are sometimes labelled as yams.
Preparing the Yams:
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch slices. If you are using canned yams, they often come pre-cut, so you can skip this step. However, it is important to drain the juice from canned yams before placing them in the Crock-Pot.
Adding Ingredients:
Place the chopped sweet potatoes or drained canned yams into the Crock-Pot. Add the remaining ingredients, such as butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. You can also add pineapple juice or other seasonings to taste. If desired, you can mix in marshmallows or pecans for a sweeter dish.
Cooking the Yams:
Cover the Crock-Pot with its lid and set it to cook. You can cook the yams on a high setting for 3-4 hours or on a low setting for 6-8 hours, depending on your preference. Stir the mixture every 2-3 hours or every 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The yams are ready when they are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serving and Storing:
Serve the candied yams hot as a delicious side dish. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and reheated when needed. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the desired portion in a casserole dish and warm in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
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What to serve with candied yams
Candied yams are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. While they are a popular choice for Thanksgiving, they can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Here are some ideas for what to serve with candied yams:
- Mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole: Candied yams are a classic Thanksgiving side dish and go well with mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole. This combination creates a contrast of flavours and textures, making the meal more interesting.
- Meaty roast: The sweetness of candied yams can help to cut through the richness of a meaty roast. This pairing is a delicious option for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Dessert: Candied yams can also be served as a preview of dessert. Their sweet, rich, and tangy flavours can bridge the gap between the main course and desserts like pies and ice cream.
- Other holiday dishes: Candied yams are a popular choice for holiday meals and can be served with a variety of holiday dishes. For example, they can be paired with BBQ turkey wings, collards, mac n cheese, and sweet potato pie.
- Everyday meals: Candied yams don't have to be reserved just for holidays. They can be served as a side dish with your favourite everyday meals. Their versatility means they can complement a range of flavours and dishes.
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How long to cook yams in a Crock-Pot
It is not recommended to cook canned yams in a Crock-Pot as they will likely turn to mush. However, if you wish to try, drain the juice from the canned yams and place the pieces into the slow cooker. Add melted butter and other seasonings as desired.
If you are using raw yams, peel them and slice them into 1-inch slices. Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl and mix well. Add the yams to the slow cooker along with all of the ingredients.
To cook candied yams in a Crock-Pot, place the diced sweet potatoes in a large bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan, whisk together butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place over medium-low heat and continue to whisk until the butter and sugar are dissolved and smooth. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and stir to combine.
Cook the yams on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent burning. Cook until the potatoes are softened and the liquid is thickened. At the end of the cooking time, add the marshmallows and heat for 15 more minutes. Then set the slow cooker to warm and serve.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook canned yams in a crock pot.
It takes between 4 to 8 hours to cook canned yams in a crock pot, depending on the heat setting.
You can add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and marshmallows to your crock pot candied yams.
Crock pot candied yams can be served as a side dish during the holidays. They go well with dinner rolls, roast turkey or ham, and mac and cheese.
Yes, you can use fresh yams in the crock pot. However, ensure that you peel and slice the yams into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the crock pot.
