Well, it's that time of year again, and the #1 thing people ask me for is the pecan topped sweet potatoes that I completely stole from America's Test Kitchen.
For a more intense molasses flavor, use dark brown sugar in place of light brown sugar.
Serves 10 to 12
Sweet Potatoes
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 5 pounds sweet potatoes (about 8 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup water
Pecan Topping
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Pinch ground cumin
Directions
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FOR THE SWEET POTATOES: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potatoes, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and water; bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring often, until the sweet potatoes are tender (a paring knife can be slipped into and out of the center of the potatoes with very little resistance), 45 to 60 minutes.
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When the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and bring the sauce to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. Continue to simmer until the sauce has reduced to a glaze, 7 to 10 minutes.
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FOR THE TOPPING: Meanwhile, mix all the ingredients for the topping together in a medium bowl; set aside.
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Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 450 degrees. Pour the potato mixture into a 13 by 9-inch baking dish (or a shallow casserole dish of similar size). Spread the topping over the potatoes. Bake until the pecans are toasted and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
Variation
CANDIED SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH TOASTED MARSHMALLOW TOPPING
Follow the recipe for Candied Sweet Potato Casserole, substituting 4 cups mini marshmallows for the pecan topping. Bake until the marshmallows are crisp and golden, about 5 minutes.
