Savory Maple-Glazed Yams with Apples and Cranberries
Elevate your holiday table with this delightful Savory Maple-Glazed Yams with Apples and Cranberries recipe! Featuring earthy jewel yams and tart Granny Smith apples, this dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory. The vibrant cranberries add a pop of color and a tanginess that complements the rich flavors of pure maple syrup and aromatic spices. Designed for health-conscious eaters, this recipe boasts reduced sugar while enhancing flavors with ingredients like fresh orange juice and crystallized ginger. Bake this beautiful, wholesome casserole as a stunning centerpiece for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight dinner. Your guests will savor every bite of this nourishing dish that celebrates the best of fall produce!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
jewel yams
4 lbs (baked until tender)
apples (preferably Granny Smith)
2 (thinly sliced)
lemon juice
1/8 cup (freshly squeezed)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
pure maple syrup
1/4 cup (natural syrup)
sucanat (or turbinado, rapadura, or brown sugar)
1/4 cup (not packed)
ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/3 teaspoon
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
crystallized ginger (optional)
1/8 cup (finely chopped)
unsweetened orange juice
1/2 cup
cranberries
2 cups (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the yams thoroughly, place them on a baking sheet, and bake until cooked but still somewhat firm, about 30-40 minutes.
2
Once cooked, remove the yams from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before handling.
3
Thinly slice the apples, keeping the skin on to add color and nutrition. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice in a bowl and set aside.
4
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, pure maple syrup, sucanat, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, chopped crystallized ginger (if using), and orange juice. Heat over low until the sugar is fully dissolved, stirring occasionally to create a thin, flavorful sauce. Set aside.
5
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Slice the cooled yams into thick slices or cut them into chunks if preferred, ensuring to leave the skins on for added fiber.
6
In a greased 9x13x2-inch baking dish (preferably stoneware or glass), assemble your casserole by layering half of the yam slices, followed by half of the apple slices, and then half of the cranberries. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.
7
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layered casserole before placing it in the oven.
8
Bake the dish uncovered for 30-45 minutes, occasionally basting it with its own juices or additional fruit juice like apple cider for extra moisture, until the apples are tender and the dish is heated through.
9
Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the juices thicken and enhances the overall texture.
10
For an extra touch, consider drizzling warm maple syrup or flax oil just before serving to heighten the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Maple-Glazed Yams with Apples and Cranberries?
It is a wholesome holiday side dish featuring earthy jewel yams, tart Granny Smith apples, and vibrant cranberries in a maple-spice glaze.
What kind of yams should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using four pounds of jewel yams for their earthy flavor.
What type of apples work best in this casserole?
Granny Smith apples are preferred because their tartness balances the sweet maple glaze.
Do I need to peel the yams and apples?
No, keeping the skins on both the yams and apples adds color, nutrition, and extra fiber to the dish.
How do I prepare the yams before assembling the casserole?
Scrub them, bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes until firm-cooked, then slice them into thick pieces.
Why should I use lemon juice on the apples?
Tossing the apple slices in lemon juice prevents them from browning and adds a touch of acidity.
What ingredients are in the maple glaze?
The glaze consists of butter, pure maple syrup, sucanat, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and orange juice.
What is sucanat and can I substitute it?
Sucanat is a natural cane sugar; you can substitute it with turbinado, rapadura, or brown sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, the recipe works well with either fresh or frozen cranberries.
What temperature should the oven be for the final bake?
The final casserole should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It should bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender.
How do I assemble the layers of the casserole?
Layer half of the yams, then half of the apples, and half of the cranberries, then repeat the process once more.
What spices provide the aromatic flavor?
The dish uses ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
Is the crystallized ginger mandatory?
No, the finely chopped crystallized ginger is an optional addition for extra spice.
What is the purpose of the orange juice in this recipe?
Unsweetened orange juice provides moisture and helps create a thin, flavorful sauce for the glaze.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions state to bake the dish uncovered.
Why is it important to let the dish rest after baking?
Resting for 10 minutes allows the juices to thicken and enhances the overall texture of the casserole.
How can I add extra moisture during the baking process?
You can occasionally baste the dish with its own juices or a bit of apple cider.
What can I drizzle on the dish before serving?
A drizzle of warm maple syrup or flax oil just before serving can heighten the flavors.
What size baking dish is required?
Use a 9x13x2-inch baking dish, preferably made of stoneware or glass.
Is this recipe low in sugar?
The recipe is designed for health-conscious eaters with a focus on reduced sugar and natural sweeteners.
What makes this a good holiday dish?
Its vibrant colors, seasonal ingredients like cranberries and yams, and warm spices make it a perfect centerpiece.
Can I use regular brown sugar?
Yes, brown sugar is an acceptable substitute for sucanat.
How do I ensure the yams aren't too soft after the first bake?
Bake them only until they are cooked but still somewhat firm to ensure they hold their shape in the casserole.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, it is a nourishing and beautiful dish that travels well and serves a group.
What is the preparation for the butter in the glaze?
The butter should be unsalted and heated over low heat with the other glaze ingredients.
Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?
While jewel yams are suggested, other orange-fleshed sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute.
What provides the fiber in this recipe?
The fiber comes primarily from the skins of the jewel yams and the fresh apples.
What is the best way to clean the yams?
The yams should be scrubbed thoroughly before baking since the skins are kept on for the final dish.