Kahlua-Glazed Sweet Yams
Indulge in the rich, mouthwatering flavor of Kahlua-Glazed Sweet Yams, a delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of yams with the deep, coffee-infused notes of Kahlua. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique, comforting side dish. Easy to make and ready in under an hour, these caramelized yams are sure to be a hit on your table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yams
4 large (peeled and cut lengthwise)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Brown Sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
Kahlua
3/4 cup (liquid)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the yams and cook until just tender, about 15-20 minutes. Do not overcook, as they should hold their shape. Once cooked, drain, peel the yams, and slice them lengthwise.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and allow it to dissolve completely, creating a rich caramel base.
3
Pour the Kahlua into the skillet, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about one minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Add the sliced yams to the skillet, gently turning them in the sauce to ensure they are evenly coated. Allow them to cook for additional 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides.
5
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the yams simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Check the yams frequently to ensure they are caramelizing without sticking to the pan.
6
Once the yams are thickly glazed and richly flavored, remove from heat and serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kahlua-Glazed Sweet Yams?
Kahlua-Glazed Sweet Yams are a unique side dish that combines the natural sweetness of boiled yams with a rich, coffee-infused caramel sauce made from Kahlua, butter, and brown sugar.
How many yams do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large yams.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes for yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes are an excellent substitute for yams in this recipe as they share a similar texture and sweetness.
What type of Kahlua is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of liquid Kahlua coffee liqueur.
How long should I boil the yams?
Yams should be boiled for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are just tender.
Should the yams be peeled before boiling?
No, the yams are boiled first, then drained and peeled once they are cooked.
How should the yams be sliced?
After boiling and peeling, the yams should be sliced lengthwise.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
How much brown sugar is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
How is the glaze base prepared?
The glaze is made by melting butter in a skillet and stirring in brown sugar until it dissolves completely into a rich caramel base.
How long do I simmer the Kahlua mixture?
After adding the Kahlua to the butter and sugar, let it simmer for about one minute to allow the flavors to meld.
How long do the yams cook in the skillet initially?
Once added to the skillet, the yams should cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides.
Do I need to cover the skillet?
Yes, after the initial browning, you should reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
How long is the final simmering stage?
The yams should simmer covered for 15 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is considered a quick recipe that can be completed in under 60 minutes.
Can this be served as a dessert?
Yes, due to its sweet and caramelized nature, it can be served as both a side dish and a dessert.
What is the key to keeping the yams from falling apart?
Avoid overcooking them during the initial boiling stage; they should be just tender so they hold their shape during slicing and skillet cooking.
What should I do with the leftover sauce in the pan?
Any remaining sauce in the skillet should be drizzled over the top of the yams before serving.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Stir the mixture occasionally and ensure the heat is reduced to low during the final 15-minute simmering period.
Is this dish suitable for holiday dinners?
Absolutely, its unique flavor and rich glaze make it a perfect holiday or special occasion dish.
What does Kahlua taste like in this recipe?
Kahlua adds deep, coffee-infused notes that balance the sweetness of the sugar and yams.
Should the yams be cooked over high heat?
No, the recipe uses medium heat for melting butter and browning, and low heat for the final simmering stage.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, either light or dark brown sugar can be used, provided it is packed during measurement.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need a large pot for boiling and a large skillet with a lid for glazing.
What is the total preparation and cooking time?
The total time is approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Is the Kahlua flavor very strong?
The simmering process allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich glaze where the coffee notes are present but not overwhelming.
Can I prepare the yams the day before?
While best served immediately, you can boil the yams ahead of time and perform the glazing steps right before serving.
What texture should the final glaze have?
The glaze should be thick and caramelized, thoroughly coating the yams.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as side dish, dessert, caramelized, quick recipe, holiday dish, and kahlua.