Yam Casserole

 

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Feeds: 8-12 as a side dish

Special Tools: an approximately 8” by 8” casserole dish helps, and so does a food processor, but neither is necessary

 

4 lbs.              yams, peeled, about 3-4 large ones

½ cup                        sugar

¼ cup             maple syrup

1 tsp.              vanilla bean paste (or extract if necessary)

2 ea.                eggs, whisked

½ cup                        butter

1 tbsp.            chipotle paste

¼ tsp.             cinnamon

TT                   S&P

 

For the topping:

1/3 cup          flour

1 cup              brown sugar

1 cup              chopped pecans

¼ cup             melted butter

 

• Chop the yams into large cubes, similar to if you were preparing mashed potatoes
• Place the yams in a large pot and cover with cold water, salt
• Place the pot on the stove and bring to a simmer
• Allow to cook through, until fork tender, but not overcook to mush, about 20 minutes
• Remove from the heat and drain thoroughly
• If using the food processor, place the yams in the food processor and puree in batches, adding the sugar, maple syrup, butter, eggs, and seasonings bit by bit
• Once all batches are pureed ensure that they are all blended well so that the mixture is evenly seasoned
• If mashing by hand, use a potato masher and mash until fairly smooth, then add the remaining ingredients and whip until smooth and flavors are evenly distributed
• Place the yam puree in the bottom of the casserole dish, layering it about 1 inch thick
• In a bowl combine the topping ingredients and mix until evenly combined
• Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet to avoid any mess or spillover during cooking
• If you don’t have a casserole dish feel free to use pretty much any baking pan similar in size
• Layer the topping over the yam puree, refrigerate until ready to bake
• Everything up to this point can be done in advance, saving you the mess during the big day
• Preheat the oven to 350F
• Place the casserole in the oven and bake until warm through and nicely browned on the top, 30-35 minutes
• Serve immediately

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!