Homemade Harissa, Sweet Potato and Sesame Seed Loaf

For the harissa paste:

• 2 large red bell peppers
• 15ml (1 Tbsp) cumin seeds
• 30ml (2 Tbsp) coriander seeds
• 10ml (2 tsp) fennel seeds
• 15ml (1 Tbsp) paprika
• 15ml (1 Tbsp) smoked paprika
• 15ml (1 Tbsp) dried chilli flakes
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 200g (1/2 can) peeled and chopped tomatoes
• 2-3 fresh red chillies
• 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sweet Potato Bread:

• 515g (4½ cups) self-raising flour
• 10ml (2 tsp) salt
• 5ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate of soda
• 250ml (1 cup) sweet potato mash
• 1 egg, beaten
• 30-45ml (2-3 Tbsp) homemade harissa paste
• 15ml (1 Tbsp) sesame seeds

For the Harissa paste:

• Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. Place the bell peppers on a baking tray and drizzle with a dash of olive oil.
• Roast the peppers for about 15 minutes, turning them around halfway.
• Remove the peppers from the oven and place them into a bowl and immediately cover the bowl with cling wrap.
• This allows steam to build up and makes it easier for the skins to loosen and peel off later.
• Allow to stand for about 10-15 minutes, then peel the skins off and slice the peppers into strips.
• Heat a pan to medium heat and toast the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, and the smoked and plain paprika, until fragrant – about 1-2 minutes.
• Place the roasted peppers, toasted spices and all other ingredients for the harissa paste into a blender and blend until you have a smooth paste.

• Combine the self-raising flour, salt and bicarb and mix well. In another bowl, combine the honey, sweet potato mash and egg.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix well until you have a workable dough.
• Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 2-3cm thick.
• Spread the harissa paste on the dough and fold the two long sides in to close the dough. Gently roll again into an oval shape and cut two slices lengthwise, leaving the dough attached at the top. Plait the dough and pinch to seal at the end.
• Place on a prepared baking tray and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Place in the oven and lower the temperature to 180°C. Bake for about 30-45 minutes or until cooked and golden.
• Serve the loaf with real farm butter.