Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 6 yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place a steamer basket in a large pot. Add 2 inches of water, making sure it does not touch the basket, and bring to a boil. Add the whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes, cover, and steam until just tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool until easy to handle.
3. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Arrange them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Combine brown sugar, butter, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the butter melts, the sugar dissolves, and the sauce begins to bubble. Pour evenly over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the sweet potatoes are golden and caramelized and the sauce has thickened, about 1 hour. Spoon the sauce over the potatoes a few times as they bake.