HARISSA FRIES WITH CASHEW MAYO

 
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Recipe & Photo by Sophie Mackenzie WHOLEHEARTED EATS

AUTHOR NOTES

These fries are like the more sophisticated version of my old go to, primarily because they aren’t doused in ketchup. Instead they are served alongside the most amazing cashew dip. While I chose to call it mayo, it’s not as oily or as rich as normal mayonnaise. It’s more like a creamy cashew cheese, perhaps. Besides eating it on these fries, I slathered it on some vegan pizza, turned it into a kid friendly ranch dip for cucumbers and carrot sticks, and put in on a sandwich as though it was just regular mayo. 

There are two key steps to follow to make for crispy oven fries. While some people opt for things like corn starch, I’d rather steer clear of any additives when we’re dealing with something as perfect as a yam. Instead, a little bit of soaking will help extract some of the starch and make for a crispier exterior. Secondly, and most importantly, the moisture has to be removed. This is best accomplished by thoroughly drying the soaked fries, and making sure they have plenty of space when baking so that they don’t steam. The best advise I can offer is when in doubt, use another tray. 

SERVES:  4

PREP TIME:  30-40 Minutes (including soaking time)

COOKING TIME:  20-30 Minutes

DIETARY CONSIDERATION:  Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Sugar Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free

INGREDIENTS 

  • 2 Yams or Sweet Potatoes (I used one of each)

  • 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil, melted

  • About 4 tsp. Harissa Powder (see recipe below

Dry Harissa Mix

  • 1 Tbsp Cumin Seeds

  • 1 Tbsp Coriander Seeds

  • 1/4 Cup Dried Chili Peppers, used smoked ones and spicy ones

  • 1 tsp Paprika

  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika

  • 1 tsp Sea Salt

  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes

Cashew Mayo 

  • 1 Cup Cashews, soaked for 4 hours or overnight

  • 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (about 1 lemon)

  • 2 Tbps White or Light Miso

  • 1 tsp Djion mustard

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

  • 1 Clove Garlic, chopped

  • 1 tsp Nutritional Yeast

  • 3 Tbsp Water

  • Pinch Smoked Paprika

DIRECTIONS

Begin by giving your potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. Then cut them into long strips about 1 cm thick (1/4 inch-1/2 inch) and soak them in some cool water for about 20 minutes or so to help lose some of the starchy residue.

After the fries have set in the water, drain them and dry super well (most important part). Combine them in a bowl with the coconut oil and spices, tossing well to coat.

Spread evenly on two trays, being sure that there is plenty of space between the fries. Bake in a  205 C (400 F) oven until crisp and tender, about 20-30 minutes flipping half way though.

Dry Harissa Mix: In a dry cast iron (or heavy bottomed pan), toast the cumin and coriander until fragrant. Set the spices aside to cool for a few minutes.
Combine the toasted seeds along with the other ingredients in a spice grinder (I used a vita mix) and grind until fine.

Cashew Mayo: (Adapted from Vegoratt ) Begin by draining and rinsing the cashews. Then combine the cashews with all other ingredients in a high speed blender and puree for several minutes or until silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. 

 
Stacey Christie