Gather around, dessert lovers! Brace yourselves for a culinary adventure that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. As someone who believes that desserts are a celebration of flavors and emotions, I’m excited to introduce you to my treasured recipe – Candied Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts. Get ready to savor every bite of this delightful creation.
Candied Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts Recipe
Candied Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam the sweet potatoes in a covered metal steamer over boiling water for 8 minutes or until fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are steaming, put the sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes liquid, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the honey, stir to combine, and then remove from the heat.
- Fry the sweet potatoes for about 2 minutes over medium-high heat in a dry nonstick skillet that is large enough to fit them all. This will make them crispy.
- In a medium bowl, toss together the fried potatoes, the sugar-honey syrup, and the nuts, if using.
- Serve warm, garnished with the sesame seeds, if using.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips
- Slice Consistency: When slicing your sweet potatoes, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and caramelization. This guarantees that each bite is a delightful blend of tender and sweet.
- Selecting Sweet Potatoes: Opt for fresh, firm, and blemish-free sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness will shine through in the final dish.
- Precise Caramelization: Achieving the perfect caramelization is key to unlocking the dessert’s rich flavors. Maintain a medium-low heat and patiently allow the sugars to transform into a luscious golden hue.
- Stirring Technique: While caramelizing, gently toss the sweet potato slices to coat them evenly with the caramel sauce. Avoid excessive stirring to prevent breaking the slices.
- Crunchy Walnuts: Toast the walnuts before adding them to the dish. This extra step enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Flavor Infusion: Elevate the dish with a touch of warmth by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices beautifully complement the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Taste and Adjust: Throughout the cooking process, taste the dish to ensure it reaches the desired level of sweetness and texture. Adjust with more caramelization or a sprinkle of cinnamon, as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Family Dinners: Serve as a comforting dessert after a hearty family dinner. The cozy flavors are perfect for bringing everyone together.
- Holiday Feasts: Make your holiday table shine with the warmth of Candied Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts. It’s a festive treat that captures the essence of celebration.
- Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with an elegant finish to your dinner party. The blend of sweet and nutty notes adds a sophisticated touch.
- Weekend Brunch: Surprise your brunch guests with a unique twist. Serve the candied sweet potatoes alongside yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a sweet morning treat.
Recommended Sides, Garnishes, and Beverages:
- Sides: Pair your candied sweet potatoes with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
- Garnishes: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of visual appeal and enhances the flavors.
- Beverages: Serve with a cup of hot spiced chai, a velvety latte, or a glass of dessert wine for a delightful sensory experience.
Multiple Ways to Serve:
- Classic Dish: Serve the Candied Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts in dessert bowls, allowing the sweet and nutty aromas to enchant your guests.
- Parfait Style: Layer the candied sweet potatoes and whipped cream in parfait glasses for a visually stunning individual dessert presentation.
- Tart Filling: Use the candied sweet potatoes and walnuts as a filling for mini tarts or phyllo cups, creating elegant bite-sized treats.
FAQs of Candied Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts
- Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe? Absolutely! While walnuts provide a delightful crunch, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Just ensure they’re toasted for enhanced flavor.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the candied sweet potatoes and walnuts ahead of time and store them separately. When serving, gently reheat the sweet potatoes and combine with the walnuts for optimal texture.
- How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming too mushy? Parboil the sweet potato slices briefly before caramelizing to retain their structure. Be mindful of cooking time during caramelization to maintain a tender yet firm bite.
- Can I adjust the sweetness level? Of course! Taste the caramel sauce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness with a little more sugar if desired. Remember that the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes will also play a role.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely. Swap out dairy butter for vegan butter, and choose a plant-based sweetener if you prefer. The essence of this dish lies in its flavor and texture, which can certainly be achieved while keeping it vegan.
From your kitchen to your heart, the journey of crafting Candied Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts is one of sweet discovery and culinary delight. As you savor every bite, consider sharing this recipe with your food-loving circle. For more culinary inspirations and delicious recipes, subscribe to my blog. Here’s to a future filled with memorable moments and delectable creations!
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.