Candied Yams with Pecan Streusel Topping

Created by: Howcan Team

Side Dish

Candied yams with a pecan streusel topping is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The history of this delectable side dish can be traced back to the early 20th century, when African American chefs in the Southern United States began incorporating local ingredients like sweet potatoes and pecans into their cooking. The dish gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, thanks to the rise of soul food restaurants in cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Memphis. Chefs like Edna Lewis and Leah Chase helped popularize candied yams with pecan streusel topping, showcasing the rich flavors and textures of the dish. Today, the best versions of this dish can be found in soul food restaurants across the Southern United States, where chefs continue to perfect the art of candying yams and creating the perfect pecan streusel topping. The key to getting this dish right lies in the balance of sweetness and crunch, as well as the perfect blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. For those looking to recreate this dish at home, it's important to pay attention to the quality of the sweet potatoes and pecans, as well as the technique used to candy the yams and create the streusel topping. Some alternative methods for making this dish include using marshmallows instead of pecan streusel, or adding a splash of bourbon for an extra kick of flavor. Overall, candied yams with a pecan streusel topping is a beloved dish with a rich history and a bright future, continuing to delight diners with its irresistible combination of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors.