Soul Food Candied Yams

# What You Need:

→ Yams

01 - 3 large yams (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds

→ Syrup

02 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar

03 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

04 - 1/4 cup water

05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Garnish

09 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans

# How To Make:

01 - In a large 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.

02 - Arrange the yam slices evenly in the skillet, turning to coat thoroughly in the syrup.

03 - Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, gently stirring and turning the yams occasionally to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

04 - Remove the lid and raise the heat to medium. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, spooning syrup over the yams repeatedly, until they are fork-tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.

05 - Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.

06 - Transfer to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The buttery brown sugar syrup becomes thick and glossy, clinging to every slice like liquid gold.
It's done in under an hour but tastes like you've been cooking all day.
You only need one skillet and about five ingredients for the magic to happen.

02 -

Don't skip the covered cooking phase—that's where the yams become tender, and rushing it by cooking at high heat will just harden them on the outside.
The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so take the skillet off the heat when it looks just slightly looser than you want—it'll be perfect by serving time.

03 -