Canned Yam Recipe

3

Each year, as we dine, the golden, marshmallow-topped delight of my special canned yam casserole becomes the evening star, sparking conversations and evoking cherished memories. It’s a simple recipe, yet its comfort is profound, turning a humble can of yams into a dish that feels both celebratory and soothing.

What Is Canned Yam?

Canned yams are pre-cooked, peeled, and sweetened sweet potatoes packed in syrup or juice and sold in cans. Despite the name, most canned yams in the U.S. are sweet potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 (29-ounce) cans of yams (also known as sweet potatoes), drained
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10.5 ounces) package of miniature marshmallows.

Instructions:

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the yams are at the right temperature for baking.
2. Prepare the Yams: In a large bowl, gently mash the drained yams until they are slightly chunky. You want some texture here, not a completely smooth purée.
3. Mix in Flavorings: Add the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed yams. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This mixture is where your dish starts to take on its character, blending sweetness with a hint of spice.
4. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well) and transfer the yam mixture. Spread the mixture evenly.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the yams to heat through thoroughly.
6. Add Marshmallows: After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the yams. Cover the surface generously for that classic marshmallow-topped effect.
7. Broil: Return the dish to the oven, setting it to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
8. Serve: Once the marshmallows are beautifully browned, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best served warm.

Tips:

• Yam Consistency: When mashing the yams, consider leaving some chunks for a more interesting texture in the final dish. It adds a nice contrast to the softness of the marshmallows.
• Spice to Taste: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg according to your preference. A little more can enhance the warmth of the dish.
• Marshmallow Layer: Don’t skimp on the marshmallows for an extra gooey and decadent topping. They add a delightful sweetness and create a visually appealing golden top.
• Serving Suggestion: To add a bit of freshness and contrast to the dish, consider serving it with a side of slightly tart cranberry sauce. The acidity and fruitiness can beautifully balance the sweetness.

What To Serve With

Main Dishes:

• Roasted Turkey or Chicken: For Thanksgiving or Christmas, roasted poultry complements the sweetness and spiced notes of canned yams. Serve alongside gravy or cranberry sauce for an extra festive touch.
• Glazed Ham: Ham’s salty and smoky flavor, mainly when glazed with maple or honey, enhances the sugary profile of canned yams. Together, they create a well-rounded plate of sweet and savory goodness.
• Herb-Crusted Pork Loin: Pork’s richness complements the sweetness of yams, especially with a herb crust or garlic seasoning that adds earthiness to the meal.
• Grilled Salmon: Salmon pairs surprisingly well with candied yams, especially when the fish is seasoned with lemon, garlic, or dill, to add lightness and brightness to the dish.

Classic Holiday Sides:

• Stuffing (Dressing): Whether you prefer savory sausage stuffing or a traditional herb version, stuffing brings depth to the meal while complementing the sweetness of yams.
• Green Bean Casserole: The creamy and slightly salty profile of green bean casserole offsets the sugary yams for a satisfying contrast.
• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Mashed potatoes provide a neutral, pillowy base, and when paired with yams and a drizzle of gravy, create a comforting trifecta of textures and flavors.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tart and tangy flavor of cranberry sauce is the perfect counterbalance to sweet yams. This pairing works particularly well during holiday meals.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Decadent, cheesy, and indulgent mac and cheese are a savory complement to the sweetness of yams, creating an ultra-comforting plate.

Fresh Veggies And Salads:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips are an excellent complement, as their slight caramelization blends nicely with the candied yams while adding a fresh vegetable crunch.
• Kale or Spinach Salad: Toss fresh baby kale or spinach with cranberries, toasted pecans, and a light vinaigrette for a bright, tangy salad to contrast the sweetness of the yams.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and a citrus dressing adds a fresh, acidic element to balance the yams.

Hearty Grains And Bread:

• Dinner Rolls: Warm, fluffy dinner rolls or cornbread are excellent for soaking up the yam juices and completing the plate.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty wild rice pilaf with dried fruit and herbs pairs beautifully with the spiced sweetness of canned yams, creating a colorful and balanced side.
• Quinoa or Barley: Light grains with a mild nutty flavor can add an earthy texture and balance to the meal.
• Desserts: You might also consider dessert pairings if you’re serving canned yams for a special occasion like Thanksgiving. Since yams often feel dessert-like, stick to options that won’t compete with their sweet profile.
• Pumpkin Pie: A slice of spiced pumpkin pie complements the holiday feel of candied yams without overwhelming the sweetness.
• Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp with cinnamon and oats adds another rustic fall flavor that works well alongside yams.
• Pecan Pie: If sweetness isn’t a dealbreaker, pecan pie—a Southern classic—pairs seamlessly with yams for a decadent finish.

Drinks:

• Dry White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can cleanse your palate while balancing the yam’s sweetness.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Warm or chilled cider complements the cozy spices typically found in yam dishes.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing, non-alcoholic option to cut through the meal’s richness.

Precautionary Measures To Take

• Choose the Right Yams: Select fresh, unbruised, and firm yams. Avoid any yams with signs of decay or damage, as these can harbor bacteria.
• Proper Cleaning: Wash your yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or microbes. You do not need soap, but a vegetable brush can help clean effectively.
• Peeling and Cutting: Peel the yams, as the skins can harbor bacteria and will not soften during canning. Cut the yams into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Blanching: Blanch the yams by boiling them for about 10 minutes. Blanching helps to reduce enzyme action that can spoil canned foods and ensures that the yams are hot when filled into jars, which is critical for safe canning.
• Sterilization of Canning Jars and Lids: Before use, sterilize canning jars, lids, and rings by boiling them for at least 10 minutes. Keep them hot until they are ready to be filled.
• Packing the Jars: Pack the hot yams into the sterilized jars, leaving a 1-inch headspace. Headspace is crucial as it allows for the expansion of food and the boiling of liquids during processing.
• Adding Liquid: Cover the yams with boiling water or a light syrup, still maintaining the 1-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic utensil around the inside of the jar.
• Sealing: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food residue. Place the sterilized lid on each jar and screw the band down until resistance is met, and then increase to fingertip-tight.
• Processing: Use a pressure canner for canning yams. Yams are a low-acid food and cannot be safely canned using a water bath canner. Process pint jars for 60 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes at 10-15 pounds of pressure (adjust for altitude). For exact times and pressures, refer to your pressure canner’s manual.

Cooling Jars:

• After processing, turn off the heat and let the canner depressurize. Wait for at least 10-15 minutes before removing the lid.
• Remove the jars using jar lifters and place them on a towel or cooling rack in a draft-free area.
• Allow the jars to cool for 12-24 hours. Do not tighten bands during this time.

• Check Seals and Store: After completely cooling the jar, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If the lid does not pop back, it is sealed. Remove the screw bands, wipe down the jars, label them with the contents and date, and store them in a cool, dark place.
• Safety Check Before Eating: When opening the canned yams, check for any foul odors, spurting liquids, or visible mold. These are signs of contamination. Do not taste or use any jars where the seal has failed, or the contents show signs of spoilage.
• Use Clean Equipment and Follow Recommendations: Ensure all canning equipment, utensils, and work surfaces are clean. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and current USDA or local food preservation guidelines to ensure food safety.

Health Benefits

• Vitamins: Canned yams are a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is vital for immune function, and vitamin B6, which is essential for metabolism and brain health.
• Minerals: They provide potassium, crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance and normal blood pressure, and manganese, which contributes to bone formation and nutrient metabolism.
• Fiber Content: Like their fresh counterparts, canned yams provide dietary fiber, although the amount may be slightly reduced during the canning process. Fiber is essential for digestive health as it helps maintain bowel regularity and may aid in preventing diverticulitis.
• Antioxidants: Yams contain antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. These include beta-carotene, particularly in orange-fleshed varieties, which the body converts to vitamin A, supporting vision, immunity, and skin health.
• Low Glycemic Index: Yams have a low glycemic index compared to other root vegetables. This means they cause a slower rise in blood glucose levels, which may benefit people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
• Complex Carbohydrates: The carbs in yams are primarily complex, which provide a steady release of energy. They can be part of a balanced diet and fuel daily activities.
• Natural Plant Compounds: Yams are rich in natural plant compounds, including saponins and diosgenin, which have been studied for various potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Weight Management: The fiber and complex carbohydrates in yams can contribute to a feeling of fullness, which might aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
• Heart Health: Canned yams can support heart health by providing fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Potassium helps counterbalance the effects of sodium in the diet, which can help lower blood pressure, and fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Final Thoughts

canned yams are a practical and nutritious option for those seeking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without the hassle of extensive prep work. Despite the misconceptions that canned foods are always inferior to their fresh counterparts, canned yams maintain a wealth of nutrients for heart health, digestion, blood sugar management and more.

More Carb Recipe:

• Homemade Burger King Ice Cream Recipe