Bright Citrus Glazed Sweet Yams

1. Boil Yams

Start by boiling 3 quarts of water in a large pot with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Once the water is boiling, add the peeled and cut yams, cover the pot, and remove it from the heat. Let the yams sit in the hot water for about an hour so they become tender. After an hour, drain the yams in a colander and set them aside to dry for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat Oven and Roast Yams

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the yams with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated. Spread the yams in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Roasting will caramelize the yams, enhancing their natural sweetness and giving them a golden brown color. Once the yams are roasted, lower the oven temperature to 350°F.

3. Prepare Molasses Mixture

While the yams are roasting, prepare the molasses mixture. In a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of vegan butter, ¼ cup of raw cane sugar, 2 tablespoons of molasses, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, ¼ cup of fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of cashew cream, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Simmer this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes, until it is well combined and slightly thickened.

4. Layer Yams and Bake

In a 2-quart baking dish, place a 2-inch cinnamon stick at the bottom and layer the roasted yams on top. Pour the warm molasses mixture over the yams, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes, basting the yams with the glaze every 10 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

5. Final Bake

After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the yams, and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. This final baking step allows the glaze to thicken and cling to the yams, creating a beautifully caramelized and flavorful dish.