Do you make yams for Thanksgiving? You will love this yams recipe — it’s topped with ginger-glazed California Dried Mission Figs that add pop and added sweetness.
The Indispensable Side Dish that Packs in Nutrition + Flavor
Yams for Thanksgiving are such a staple—and we’d like to suggest that you not wait for the holiday to make them. The figs add fiber, calcium and so many other health benefits. Yams pack in potassium and add fiber too. So, they’re both naturally sweet and bring balance to savory dishes.
What Kind of Figs to Use
We have used the Sun-Maid and Orchard Choice California Dried Mission Figs that bring a deep, earthy sweetness, whereas Golden Figs lend more of a subtle sweetness and nutty flavor. Both would work well in the yams.
How to Make the Yams
Start off by peeling the yams, cutting them into 1/2-inch thick slices. Then, steam the yams, cooking them until just tender. You’ll cover the yams with dried figs. Next, melt butter in a saucepan set over low heat, stirring in ginger, brown sugar, lemon juice, and seasonings. Pour the gingery glaze all over the figs and yams before baking them until lightly glazed on top.
Ginger-Glazed California Figs & Yams
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds yams about 3 medium
- 1 cup thinly sliced Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid California Figs 4 oz.
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°Peel yams and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. In large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket, bring 2 inches of water to a boil. Add yams and cover. Cook until just tender when pierced with a knife, about 8 minutes. In shallow, greased 1 or 1 1/2-quart baking dish, arrange yams, slightly overlapping, and top with figs. (Recipe can be made one day in advance up to this point.)
- Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat. Stir in ginger and heat about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved; add lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour mixture evenly over yams and figs and bake until the yams are lightly glazed on top, about 15 minutes.
Photo by Annelies Zijderveld
