Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams)

This Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes Yams recipe is made the tried and true Southern way and is bursting with natural sweetness and a luscious caramelized glaze. Crafted with warm butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves these sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection on the stove, offering a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this classic soul food favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Efficient Use of Space: If the oven is already in use or if you’re cooking a large meal with multiple dishes, utilizing the stovetop for candied sweet potatoes allows for efficient use of kitchen space and resources.
• Controlled Cooking: Cooking on the stovetop gives you more control over the cooking process, allowing you to monitor and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or overcooking.
• Customizable Flavors: This dish can be easily customized with different seasonings, spices, and sweeteners to suit personal taste preferences. You can adjust the sweetness and flavor profile according to your liking.
• Less Heating of the Kitchen: During hot weather, using the stovetop instead of the oven helps to minimize the heat generated in the kitchen, creating a more comfortable cooking environment.

The Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams

The terms “sweet potatoes” and “yams” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different types of root vegetables with distinct characteristics. In many parts of the world, especially in the United States, what are labeled as “yams” in grocery stores are actually sweet potatoes, as true yams are less common and primarily found in specialty markets catering to specific cultural cuisines.

Here are the main differences:
Origin:

• Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are native to the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are widely grown in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
• Yams: Yams are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania. They are a staple food in many parts of Africa and are less commonly found in other regions.

Appearance:

• Sweet Potatoes: Have smooth, thin skin that can range in color from pale yellow to orange, red, or purple. The flesh is usually sweet and moist, with varying shades of yellow, orange, or purple.
• Yams: Have rough, bark-like skin that is typically brown or black. The flesh is starchy and dry, with a white, yellow, or purple color.

Texture and Flavor:

• Sweet Potatoes: Have a creamy texture and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. They are often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
• Yams: Have a starchy, dry texture and a milder, less sweet flavor compared to sweet potatoes. They are typically used in savory dishes and are often boiled, roasted, or fried.

Nutritional Content:

• Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and various other nutrients. They are considered a nutritious vegetable and are often included in healthy diets.
• Yams: Yams are also nutritious but tend to be lower in vitamins and minerals compared to sweet potatoes.

Caramelized Glaze Ingredients

• Brown Sugar/Regular Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create the caramelized coating on the sweet potatoes.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall sweetness of the glaze.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Nutmeg: Adds a nutty, warm flavor that pairs well with cinnamon and enhances the overall complexity of the glaze.
• Cloves: Adds a warm, spicy, and slightly floral flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the glaze and enhances the other flavors.

These ingredients come together to create a rich, sticky glaze that coats the sweet potatoes and caramelizes beautifully as they cook on the stovetop.

How to Shop For the Sweet Potatoes

• Appearance: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth, without any soft spots, bruises, or blemishes. The skin should be free of cuts or cracks.
• Size: Choose sweet potatoes that are medium to large in size, as they will be easier to peel and cut into uniform pieces for cooking.
• Color: Sweet potatoes come in various colors, including orange, purple, and white. Select sweet potatoes with vibrant, uniform coloration. Avoid those with green spots.
• Texture: Check the texture of the sweet potatoes by gently squeezing them. They should feel firm and dense, indicating freshness.
• Weight: Pick up the sweet potatoes and assess their weight. Heavier sweet potatoes are typically moister and have a higher sugar content, resulting in a sweeter flavor.
• Seasonality: While sweet potatoes are available year-round in many places, they are typically harvested in the fall. For the freshest and most flavorful sweet potatoes, consider purchasing them during the fall and winter months.

How to Make Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes Yams

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Heat a Dutch oven or stockpot on medium-high heat and add butter.
2. When melted, add white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir.
3. Once the sugar has melted, add in the vanilla extract and stir. The glaze will thicken.
4. Pour in the water and stir until the glaze caramelizes.
5. Add in the sliced sweet potatoes and stir until the potatoes are fully coated in the glaze.
6. Reduce the heat to low and place the lid on the pot.
7. Simmer and cook.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Simmer and cook the potatoes for 35-45 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Cook time will vary based on the size of your sliced sweet potatoes. Thicker potatoes will require more time to cook and soften.

How to Tell When They’re Done

• Texture: The sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork or knife. They should offer little resistance and should be easily pierced all the way through.
• Caramelization: The glaze should have thickened and caramelized, coating the sweet potatoes evenly. The glaze will appear glossy and sticky, with a rich caramel color.
• Smell: When your home starts to smell amazing you are well on your way. The sweet potatoes will emit a sweet, caramelized aroma that fills the kitchen as they cook. This fragrance indicates that the sugars in the glaze are caramelizing and the sweet potatoes are nearing completion.
• Appearance: The sweet potatoes will have a caramelized exterior with slightly crispy edges. They should be evenly coated in the glaze.
• Taste Test: If you’re unsure, you can also taste a small piece of sweet potato to check for doneness. It should be soft, sweet, and flavorful.

How to Adjust the Sweetness

If you want a dish that is less sweet, start by reducing the sugar by a tablespoon or two and taste-test the glaze. Continue adjusting until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

If you like a sweet dish add more sugar or sweetener.

What Type of Pot to Use

It’s best to use a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning. Here are some options:

• Dutch Oven: It’s a versatile and durable pot that retains heat well, making it suitable for simmering the sweet potatoes in the caramelized glaze.
• Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is an excellent choice because it retains heat well and distributes it evenly, helping to caramelize the sweet potatoes beautifully.
• Stainless Steel Skillet: A stainless steel skillet with a thick, heavy bottom is another good option. It heats up evenly and allows for precise temperature control, making it ideal for cooking the sweet potatoes to perfection.

The key is to choose a pot or skillet that heats evenly and has a thick, heavy bottom to prevent burning and ensure proper caramelization of the sweet potatoes.

Additional Flavors/Substitutions/Add-ins

• Nuts: For added texture and flavor, you can substitute or add chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds.
• Citrus: Add a burst of freshness with the zest or juice of oranges, lemons, or limes.
• Herbs: Enhance the flavor profile with fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
• Diced apples
• Cranberries
• Marshmallows

Can You Make it Ahead? How to Store

Prepare and cook the candied sweet potatoes. Allow them to cool completely after cooking. Transfer the cooled candied sweet potatoes to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking dish and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

More Sweet Potatoes Recipes

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Oatmeal
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar

Pair With These Recipes

Cajun Seafood Gumbo with Shrimp and Crab
Southern Cooked Cabbage
Baked Turkey Wings
Southern Soul Food Oxtail
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese