Harissa is a hot chili pepper spice blend that is common in Tunisia (Africa). It’s a combination of spices and herbs and is usually sold as a paste or powder. You can use this spice on a variety of foods: hamburgers, eggs, mixed into hummus, for chicken wings, and on roasted vegetables.

I usually use harissa as a rub when I cook roasted chicken or when I make roasted yams. I will be sharing this quick and easy recipe for harissa seasoned yams.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium sized yams (or sweet potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1-2 teaspoons of harissa paste or powder
• Salt to taste
• Half a lemon

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 390 degrees.
Wash and scrub yams. Dry thoroughly.
Cut yams into chunk sizes or wedges.
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, and harissa. Next, add the yams to the bowl, ensuring all the chunks of yam are well coated. Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
Place yams on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 30-35 minutes.
Halfway through the cooking time, turn the yams. This is so they will be evenly crispy.
Once yams are removed from the oven, sprinkle with juice from the lemon.

Yovella is a former resident of McCauley who still works and volunteers in the area.