Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds yams (about 1.4 kg), peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed yams with olive oil, salt, and pepper in the large bowl.
  2. Spread yams in a single layer on the baking sheet (lined with parchment if desired). Roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. While yams roast, melt butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Bring the glaze to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the glaze over the roasted yams and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. For a stickier glaze, return the glazed yams to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped pecans (optional).