Growing up, one of my favorite dishes during the holiday season was candied yams. The sweet, sticky, and caramelized yams never failed to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table. As I got older and became more responsible for my own cooking, I realized that making candied yams doesn’t have to be a laborious process that takes hours in the oven. In fact, with the help of a microwave, you can whip up a quick and easy batch of candied yams in no time. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for making candied yams in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients
The Yams
The first step in making candied yams is to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
The Microwave-Safe Dish
Before we get started, make sure you have a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold the yams and the sauce. A glass or ceramic dish works best for this recipe.
The Preparation Process
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, it’s time to start the preparation process. Here’s how to make candied yams in the microwave:
Pierce the Yams
Using a fork, pierce the yams several times to allow steam to escape while they’re cooking. This step is important to prevent any yams from exploding in the microwave.
Microwave the Yams
Place the yams in the microwave-safe dish and cover them loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave the yams on high for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender. Make sure to rotate the yams halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Sauce
While the yams are cooking, it’s time to prepare the delicious sauce that will coat them. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Microwave the sauce on high for about 2 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the ingredients are well combined. Stir the sauce well to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Finishing Touches
The yams should be cooked by now, so it’s time to finish them off with the sweet and sticky sauce.
Peel and Slice the Yams
Once the yams are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and slice them into thick rounds. Be careful not to burn yourself!
Coat the Yams with the Sauce
Arrange the yam slices in the microwave-safe dish and pour the prepared sauce over them. Make sure every yam is coated with the sweet goodness. If you like your candied yams extra sweet, you can sprinkle an additional tablespoon of brown sugar over the top.
Microwave the Yams Again
Cover the dish again, and microwave the yams on high for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the yams are heated through. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on the yams to avoid overcooking.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the yams are done cooking, carefully remove them from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools, creating a wonderful glaze for the yams. Serve the candied yams as a side dish alongside your favorite main course, and watch as your friends and family indulge in this delectable treat.
In Conclusion
Making candied yams in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic holiday dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave-safe dish, you can have a batch of sweet and sticky candied yams ready to be devoured in no time. So why wait for hours in the oven when you can have the same delicious result in just a fraction of the time? Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be amazed at how effortless it is to create a holiday favorite that will leave everyone wanting more.