Sweet Potato Harissa Orzo with Black Olives

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We’re in the middle of a cold snap right now and I’m not taking it well. It’s unattractive. I’m very whiney. And I really shouldn’t be because this winter has been very kind to us so far. We’ve had almost no snow and this is the first spell of truly cold weather we’ve had. But still, I hate the winter so much that I can’t see it from a rational adult perspective. From where I’m sitting there is little to love about winter aside from temporarily escaping it. And that’s what I’m presenting you with today, a cozy, carb-tastic escape. This Sweet Potato Harissa Orzo tastes better with rosy cheeks and a renewed appreciation for heavy socks and the wonders of indoor heating. In other words, it’s the perfect dish for times like these. So let’s make it!

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about what we’re looking at here. This dish features tender orzo dressed in a silky sweet potato and harissa sauce studded with black olives and ribbons of lacinato kale. It’s hearty, cozy, and requires minimal chopping and effort. I don’t know about you, but in the winter I’m 100% committed to that low-effort lifestyle. 

We’re going to start by preheating the oven to 400°F. Pierce a couple of sweet potatoes all over with a fork and pop them directly on the rack in the oven. I prefer to leave my potatoes naked when I roast them. I don’t think they need the adornment. But you can coat them with olive oil and salt if you would like. Whatever route you choose, don’t forget to place a baking sheet underneath them to catch any drips. And leave them to roast for a good hour. 

Now, you may be asking the perfectly reasonable question of why I chose to roast the sweet potatoes. And it’s true, I could’ve cubed them and simmered them in stock and pureed them from there. Well, to be honest, I prefer the texture of a whole roasted sweet potato. I find it to be silkier than the others and a lot less watery because it’s cooked in its own skin in the relatively dry heat of the oven. I find boiled sweet potato tends to be waterlogged. But this preference is just that, a preference. So if you would rather not fire up your oven for an hour, don’t. Boil your potatoes or simmer them in the vegetable stock. Do what you need to to get your ideal silky smooth potatoes. 

I don’t say this too often but I’m going to say it now – cook those potatoes within an inch of their lives. We want them to fall apart under your gaze. You need to be able to mash them with the back of your spoon and be met with no resistance. These sweet potatoes are giving your pasta its creaminess, so get them good and creamy.

While the potatoes are merrily roasting away, dice the onions, mince the garlic, and tear the kale because once the potatoes come out of the oven and the oil hits the pan, everything is going to move fairly quickly. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic. To the aromatics add a little tomato paste for sweetness and harissa for heat and personality. Add the kale to the skillet and cook until it wilts. Now, scoop the sweet potato flesh into the skillet and mash it as best you can with the back of your spoon. It shouldn’t put up much of a fight. Now, stream in a little veggie stock. Only add enough to make a nice thick sauce.

Now, let’s put the orzo in this Sweet Potato Harissa Orzo. I used the whole pack of orzo and it does indeed make a ton of servings. But I have to tell you, these leftovers are the best lunches in the world, so I say cook all the pasta and eat for a week. And if you have a giant family, invest in a bigger pan and double the batch because if they’re anything like me, they will inhale this dish. Stir in the cooked orzo, and the black olives, and season with salt accordingly. I like to hold off on adding too much salt until the olives are in there. How much salt you add to the pasta will depend on the saltiness of your olives. 

Finish the pasta with shredded Grana Padano, pecorino, or Parmigiano Reggiano. Add whatever else you think it might need. I usually add another scoop of harissa but I’m a heat fiend, so you may or may not want to follow my lead. And that’s everything you need to know about this Sweet Potato Harissa Orzo. It’s simple, cozy, and tasty to boot. In other words, it’s the perfect February pick-me-up. 

Enjoy!