One of the most cherished dishes on Thanksgiving is sweet potato yams, a dish that has been passed down from generation to generation in many families. This delicious side dish is a staple on the Thanksgiving table and is often the star of the show. For many, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without grandma's famous sweet potato yams recipe. But what makes this dish so special? Let's take a closer look at the history and ingredients behind this beloved Thanksgiving recipe.
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, All Purpose Flour, Sea Salt, White
Indulge in the flavors of the tropics with this Hawaiian style sweet potato pie. Made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, this pie is a unique twist on a classic American dessert. The addition of pineapple and coconut gives this pie a tropical flair that will transport your taste buds to a sunny island paradise.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Yams, and Brussels Sprouts...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Brussels Sprouts, Red Onion
Take your roasted vegetable game to the next level with this delicious combination of sweet potatoes, yams, and Brussels sprouts. Tossed in a garlic and herb marinade and roasted to perfection, these veggies make a flavorful and nutritious side dish for any meal. The sweetness of the potatoes and yams pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, making this a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
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Roasted Yams
Main Ingredients: Yam, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Olive Oil
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of yams, making them the star of this simple and delicious dish. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, these roasted yams make a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal. Enjoy them as a side dish or add them to salads or grain bowls for a nutritious boost of flavor and texture.
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Grilled Sweet Potato Salad with Green Onion, Basil,...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Vinaigrette Dressing, Fresh
Looking for a unique and flavorful salad to add to your summer cookout spread? Look no further than this grilled sweet potato salad. Grilled sweet potatoes, green onions, and fresh basil are tossed together in a light and tangy dressing for a salad that is bursting with flavor. Serve it as a side or add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Sweet Potato Casserole
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Yams, Granulated Sugar, Milk, Egg
This classic Thanksgiving dish features a creamy and sweet sweet potato filling topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar streusel. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory and is a must-have on any holiday table. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a dessert, this sweet potato casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Thanksgiving Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Pure Maple Syrup, Grassfed Butter, Nutmeg
Looking for a simple and flavorful side dish for your Thanksgiving feast? These Thanksgiving yams are just what you need. Sliced sweet potatoes are baked in a brown sugar and butter glaze, resulting in a dish that is sweet, buttery, and oh-so-delicious. This dish is so easy to make, you'll want to add it to your holiday menu every year.
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Sweet Potato Casserole
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Eggs, Butter, Yams, Sweet Potatoes, Flour, Salt
Take your sweet potato casserole to the next level with this spiced version. Made with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Top it with a crunchy pecan streusel for added texture and flavor. This casserole is a great addition to any holiday meal or can be enjoyed as a dessert.
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Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole
Main Ingredients: Yam, Sweet Potato, Ghee, Onion, Garlic Clove, Jello
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional sweet potato casserole, this spiced version is for you. Made with coconut oil, almond milk, and a blend of warm spices, this casserole is lower in fat and calories but still packs a ton of flavor. Top it with some crushed almonds for a crunchy and nutritious twist.
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Easy Sweet Potato Casserole from Canned Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Brown Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon, Egg, Melted Butter
Short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious sweet potato casserole? This easy recipe uses canned yams to cut down on prep time, but still delivers all the flavor and comfort of a classic sweet potato casserole. Simply mix the canned yams with butter, brown sugar, and spices, top with marshmallows, and bake until golden and bubbly. It doesn't get any easier than this.
For a unique and flavorful side dish, try this roasted veggies in a nutmeg butter sauce. Sweet potatoes, yams, and other seasonal vegetables are roasted to perfection and then tossed in a rich and creamy nutmeg butter sauce. The nutty and warm flavors of the sauce complement the sweetness of the vegetables perfectly, making this a dish that will impress your taste buds.
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Maple Mashed Yams with Toasted Walnuts, The Ultimate...
Main Ingredients: Yams, Butter, Heavy Cream, Fresh Thyme, Maple Syrup
Maple mashed yams with toasted walnuts take the classic mashed potato side dish to a whole new level. The natural sweetness of yams is enhanced by a touch of maple syrup, while the crunchy walnuts add texture and a nutty flavor. This dish is a great addition to any fall or holiday feast, and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Thanksgiving Maple Rosemary Whipped Yams Topped with...
Main Ingredients: Candied Pecans, Yams, Heavy Cream, Maple Syrup, Fresh
Make your Thanksgiving feast a little more special by serving these maple rosemary whipped yams. The sweet and savory flavors of maple and rosemary are whipped into the mashed yams, creating a unique and delicious side dish. Top it with some crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor, and watch it disappear from the table in no time.
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Sweet Potatoes and Yams with Turnip
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Turnips, Cinnamon Powder, Water
For a hearty and nutritious side dish, try this combination of sweet potatoes, yams, and turnip. The sweetness of the potatoes and yams is balanced by the slightly bitter and earthy flavor of the turnip, resulting in a dish that is full of flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for cold winter nights and pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.
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Irish Potatoes, Yams and Sweet Potatoes with Beans
Main Ingredients: Onions, Garlic Cloves, Tomatoes, Yams, Sweet Potatoes
This hearty and comforting dish combines potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes with beans for a nutritious and filling meal. A blend of Irish spices and herbs gives this dish a rich and fragrant flavor, making it a perfect meal for St. Patrick's Day or any cold winter night. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Thai-Style Baked Seasoned Sweet Potatoes and Purple...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Large Carrot, Coconut Oil
For a unique and flavorful twist on sweet potatoes, try this Thai-style baked seasoned sweet potato and purple yam dish. The potatoes and yams are coated in a blend of Thai spices and baked to perfection, resulting in a dish that is sweet, spicy, and oh-so-delicious. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Simple & Amazing Potatoes au Gratin with Yams & Sweet...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Russet Potatoes, Onion, Aged
Impress your dinner guests with this simple and amazing potatoes au gratin dish. Thinly sliced potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes are layered with a creamy and cheesy sauce, resulting in a dish that is indulgent and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for any special occasion or can be enjoyed as a comforting and satisfying meal on its own.
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Grandma's Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Butter, Brown Sugar
This recipe for candied yams has been passed down through generations and is a staple at any family gathering. Sliced yams are coated in a brown sugar and butter glaze and baked until soft and caramelized. The addition of marshmallows adds a fun and nostalgic touch to this classic dish. Serve it as a side or enjoy it as a dessert.
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Sweet Potato Pudding
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Mixed Spice, Coconut Milk, Vanilla
If you love sweet potato pie, you'll love this sweet potato pudding. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup, this pudding is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Top it with some whipped cream and chopped pecans for a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
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Hasselback Potato Gratin
Main Ingredients: Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream, Garlic
Take your potato gratin game to the next level with this hasselback potato gratin. Thinly sliced potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes are arranged in a beautiful and impressive pattern and baked in a creamy and cheesy sauce. The result is a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Serve it at your next dinner party and watch your guests be wowed.
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Creamy Sweet Potato Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Medium Onion, Celery Ribs, Leek, Garlic
Warm up on a cold day with this creamy sweet potato soup. Made with pureed sweet potatoes, herbs, and spices, this soup is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Top it with some crispy croutons or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor. This soup is a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes and can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner.
The History of Sweet Potato Yams
Rooted in Tradition
The history of sweet potato yams can be traced back to West Africa, where they were a staple food for centuries. When enslaved Africans were brought to the United States, they brought their love for sweet potatoes with them. The word "yam" actually comes from the African word "nyami," which means "to eat." This dish soon became a beloved part of Southern cuisine and was often served at special occasions like Thanksgiving.
A Family Tradition
For many families, the sweet potato yams recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, making it a cherished family tradition. Grandmothers are often the ones who hold the secret to making the perfect sweet potato yams, and their recipe is treasured and passed down to their children and grandchildren. This dish not only represents the history and culture of African Americans but also holds a special place in the hearts of many families.
The Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
The star ingredient in sweet potato yams is, of course, the sweet potato. These root vegetables are packed with nutrients and have a natural sweetness that is perfect for this dish. They are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, making them a healthier alternative to white potatoes.
Brown Sugar and Spices
To add even more flavor to the dish, brown sugar and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are used. These ingredients not only enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes but also add a warm and comforting aroma to the dish.
Butter and Marshmallows
For the finishing touch, butter and marshmallows are added to the top of the sweet potato yams. The butter adds a rich and creamy texture, while the marshmallows add a gooey sweetness. This combination creates a delicious caramelized topping that is simply irresistible.
In Conclusion
Whether it's the rich history of sweet potato yams or the cherished family tradition, there's no denying the special place this dish holds on the Thanksgiving table. Grandma's sweet potato yams recipe is a timeless classic that continues to bring families together and remind us of the importance of tradition and culture. So this Thanksgiving, make sure to give thanks for the delicious and beloved sweet potato yams.