Tiffany Haney
Yams and sweet potatoes are often used interchangeably, but they are two different vegetables. True yams are tough, starchy, and native to Africa and parts of Asia. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are commonly found in American grocery stores and are often referred to as yams. When it comes to cooking whole yams in a crock pot, the process is simple. First, rinse the yams and place them in the crock pot. Set the crock pot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once the yams are tender, they can be served with various toppings such as butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, or honey.
How to cook whole yams in a crock pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish or dessert |
| Ingredients | Yams/sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, orange juice, water, walnuts, parsley, marshmallows |
| Crockpot size | 6-quart or larger |
| Crockpot setting | Low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-5 hours |
| Preparation | Rinse yams/sweet potatoes, peel, cut into slices or cubes, place in crockpot, add other ingredients, stir |
| Serving instructions | Serve hot |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Place in a casserole dish and warm in a 325-degree F oven for 10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping yams
Preparing yams for cooking in a crock pot is a simple process. First, rinse your yams and shake off any excess water—there is no need to dry them as the moisture will help them steam. Next, peel the yams with a vegetable peeler and chop them into your desired size. Leaving them whole will result in a different texture than boiling and baking, but slicing them into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices will make them easier to work with and speed up the cooking process. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes to see which you prefer.
Once your yams are peeled and chopped, you can place them directly into the crock pot. If you are cooking only one or two yams, place them in the centre of the pot. If you are cooking more yams than will fit in a single layer, you can create a second layer, but avoid stacking more than two layers as the yams will not cook evenly.
You can also prepare yams ahead of time by slow-boiling them for 10 to 15 minutes, slicing them, and then storing them in the refrigerator overnight. This makes them safer and easier to slice.
It is important to note that yams and sweet potatoes are not the same thing and cannot always be used interchangeably. True yams are tough, starchy tubers with bark-like skin and white flesh, while sweet potatoes are softer and sweeter. In the United States, the names are often used interchangeably, and sweet potatoes are sometimes labelled as yams. If you are using true yams in your crock pot, you may need to adjust your cooking time and method accordingly.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for whole yams in a crock pot will depend on the number of yams you are cooking and the size of your crock pot. It is recommended that you use a 6-quart crock pot for this recipe. If you are cooking only one or two yams, place them in the centre of the crock pot. If you have more yams than will fit in a single layer, you can create a second layer on top, but avoid going higher than this as the yams will not cook evenly.
The yams will need to cook for around 6 to 8 hours on a low heat setting or 3 to 5 hours on a high setting. They are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. It is a good idea to check on them after a few hours and give the crock pot a stir to prevent burning.
If you are short on time, you can peel and slice the yams before placing them in the crock pot. This will reduce the cooking time to around 3 to 4 hours on a high setting.
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Reheating yams
To reheat yams, place them in the slow cooker with the flat side facing down and the rounded side facing up towards the cover of the pot. Cover the pot and set the slow cooker to its low setting. About an hour before the yams are finished, baste them with the juices that have collected at the bottom of the cooker. Use a baster or a ladle to scoop up the juices and pour them over the yams to keep them moist. If you are glazing the yams, you can use any extra glaze to baste them.
You can also reheat yams in the microwave or in a pot on the stove, but be sure to heat them over low heat and use the cooking liquid. Try not to stir them too much, or they may fall apart.
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Storing yams
Yams are a type of tuber with brown skin and white or yellow flesh. They are widely grown in Nigeria and exported to other countries. Yams are very sensitive to storage conditions and can easily deteriorate if not handled properly. Here are some tips for storing yams to maintain their freshness and quality:
Storing Raw Yams:
The best way to store raw yams is in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Yams should be kept in a bowl, basket, or mesh bag to allow for ventilation and to prevent them from rolling around. The ideal temperature range for storing yams is between 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13-15 degrees Celsius). Do not store yams in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can affect their taste and texture, making them hard and unpleasant.
Storing Cooked Yams:
Cooked yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If you plan to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Cut the yams into desired sizes and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also mash the yams before freezing. To prevent freezer burn and maintain their taste, ensure that you remove as much air from the bag as possible. Properly stored frozen yams can last for up to 12 months.
Preventing Discoloration:
Yams tend to oxidize and change color when peeled and exposed to air. To prevent this, you can use the water submersion method by peeling the yams and immediately immersing them in water. Some preservatives like lemon juice, salt, or vinegar can also be used to prevent discoloration and spoilage.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot yams can be served as a side dish during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. They can be served alongside dishes like juicy roast turkey, honey ham, crockpot mac and cheese, and crockpot whole chicken.
Candied yams are a popular recipe for crockpot yams. They are made with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and spices, and sometimes marshmallows. To make candied yams, you can add cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla to the yams. You can also sprinkle some nutmeg and salt on them. For a fall flavor, you can substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup.
You can serve candied yams plain or add some walnuts for a crunchy texture or marshmallows for extra sweetness. You can also top the dish with pecans. If you want the marshmallows to be browned, you can broil them or use a kitchen torch to brown the tops.
If you want to make crockpot mashed yams, you can peel and mash the cooked yams with milk, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also add shredded chicken to the mashed yams.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook whole yams on a low setting for 6-8 hours or on a high setting for 3-4 hours.
Rinse the yams and shake off any excess water. There is no need to dry them as the moisture will help them steam.
Brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, maple syrup, and salt are all popular seasonings for yams cooked in a crock pot.
Crock pots are a good alternative to using an oven, especially when oven space is limited. They are also convenient as they do not require much preparation or monitoring.
It is not recommended to use canned yams as they will likely turn to mush. Fresh yams are preferred for crock pot recipes.
