Looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish? Look no further than candied sweet potatoes! With only 300 calories per 8 pieces, this dish is a great addition to any meal. Sweet potatoes are also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice.
In addition to being delicious and nutritious, sweet potatoes have a number of health benefits. They are high in fiber, which can aid in digestion, and are also a good source of antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are also low on the glycemic index, meaning they won't cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of sweet potatoes, how to prepare them, and even some tasty recipes that use this versatile ingredient. Whether you're looking for a healthy side dish or a decadent dessert, candied sweet potatoes are sure to please.
What are candied sweet potatoes?
Candied sweet potatoes are a classic American dish that is typically served as a side dish during the fall and winter months. To make candied sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes are first boiled or baked until they are tender. They are then coated in a sweet glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweet potatoes are then baked until the glaze is caramelized and the sweet potatoes are tender and sweet. Candied sweet potatoes are a popular holiday dish in the United States and are often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. They are typically served alongside other traditional holiday dishes like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Candied sweet potatoes can be served as a side dish or even as a dessert. They are also a great way to add some extra nutrition to your diet, as sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and healthy food that is low in calories and high in fiber. One medium-sized sweet potato contains about 105 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. Sweet potatoes are also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Because of their high fiber content, sweet potatoes are a great food to include in your diet if you're looking to lose weight. They are also low on the glycemic index, which makes them a good food for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. They are also high in beta-carotene, which is important for eye health.
How are sweet potatoes prepared?
Sweet potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, roasting, and even grilling. The best method for cooking sweet potatoes depends on the recipe you're using and the texture you're looking for. To boil sweet potatoes, simply peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in a pot of water until they are tender, which usually takes 10-15 minutes. Once they are cooked, you can mash them or use them in a variety of recipes. To bake sweet potatoes, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them on a baking sheet for 45-60 minutes or until they are tender. Once they are cooked, you can serve them as is or make candied sweet potatoes by coating them in a sweet glaze and baking them until they are caramelized.
Benefits of sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with health benefits. They are high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. They are also low on the glycemic index, which makes them a good food for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. They are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Because of their versatility, sweet potatoes can be used in a variety of recipes. From soups and stews to casseroles and desserts, sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
How to make candied sweet potatoes
To make candied sweet potatoes, start by boiling 3-4 sweet potatoes until they are tender. Once they are cooked, drain them and let them cool. While the sweet potatoes are cooling, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the melted butter and stir until combined. Next, peel and slice the sweet potatoes and place them in a baking dish. Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure that each piece is coated evenly. Bake the sweet potatoes in the oven at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized and the sweet potatoes are tender. Serve the candied sweet potatoes hot as a side dish or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ways to serve candied sweet potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes can be served in a variety of ways. They are a popular side dish during the fall and winter months and are often served with traditional holiday dishes like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Candied sweet potatoes can also be served as a dessert. Simply top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy. For a more savory twist, try serving candied sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of bacon and chives or topped with marshmallows and toasted until golden brown.
Sweet potato recipes
In addition to candied sweet potatoes, there are many other delicious sweet potato recipes to try. Sweet potatoes can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, and even desserts. Some popular sweet potato dishes include sweet potato fries, sweet potato pie, and sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. For a healthy and nutritious snack, try roasting sweet potato wedges in the oven with a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper.
Substitutes for sweet potatoes
If you don't have sweet potatoes on hand or are looking for a substitute, there are a few options to choose from. Butternut squash is a good substitute for sweet potatoes in many recipes, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile. Pumpkin can also be used as a substitute, especially in sweet dishes like pies and breads. If you're looking for a lower-carb option, you can try using cauliflower as a substitute for sweet potatoes. Simply boil or roast the cauliflower until it is tender, then use it in place of sweet potatoes in your favorite recipe. However, keep in mind that these substitutes will have a slightly different taste and texture than sweet potatoes, so they may not work in all recipes.
Possible health concerns
While sweet potatoes are generally considered safe for most people to eat, there are a few health concerns to keep in mind. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to sweet potatoes, which can cause symptoms like hives, itching, and swelling. Sweet potatoes are also high in oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in some people. If you have a history of kidney stones, you may want to limit your intake of sweet potatoes. Finally, sweet potatoes are a starchy vegetable and are high in carbohydrates. If you're following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, you may want to limit your intake of sweet potatoes or choose a lower-carb alternative.
How to store sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. Do not store them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become hard and woody. To keep sweet potatoes fresh for as long as possible, store them in a paper bag or breathable cloth bag. This will help to absorb excess moisture and prevent them from rotting. Sweet potatoes can be stored for up to several weeks if stored properly. If you notice any signs of mold or decay, it's best to discard them.
The sweet potato is a staple food in many parts of the world and is enjoyed for its flavor and nutrition. Candied sweet potatoes are a popular dish in the United States, especially during the fall and winter months.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Candied Sweet Potatoes
1. What are candied sweet potatoes?
Candied sweet potatoes is a dish made by coating sliced or diced sweet potatoes in a sugary syrup mixture flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice, and then baking the dish in the oven till the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
2. How many calories are there in candied sweet potatoes?
One serving of candied sweet potatoes (eight pieces) contains around 300 calories. This makes it a high-calorie dish that may contribute to weight gain or other health issues if consumed frequently in large portions.
3. Are candied sweet potatoes healthy?
Candied sweet potatoes are not considered healthy due to their high sugar and calorie content. However, they do provide some nutritional value as sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. To make this dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar and butter used in the recipe, and opt for healthier alternatives like coconut sugar or olive oil.
4. How do you make candied sweet potatoes?
To make candied sweet potatoes, you need to peel and slice or dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. In a saucepan, mix sugar, butter, water, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and bring to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes to the mixture and coat them well with the syrup. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the oven at 375°F till the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
5. What can you serve with candied sweet potatoes?
Candied sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of dishes, particularly those with savory or spicy flavors to counterbalance the sweetness of the dish. They are often served as a side dish for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, and pair well with roasted or grilled meats, green beans, or mashed potatoes.