Sweet Potato Bowl with Pecan Cilantro Pesto

Process:

1. Place the potatoes in a pot and add water to cover by about an inch. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 13 minutes. Reserve some of the potato water, then drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the orange juice, butter, salt and 1 tablespoon of the potato water and mash until smooth. Add more of the potato water by the tablespoon as needed.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, make the pesto: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Place 1/3 cup of the pecans into a food processor along with the cilantro, water, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and the sesame oil and process until chopped. With the processor running, drizzle in the pecan oil and continue to process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the bowl once or twice.
3. Divide the mashed sweet potatoes evenly among 4 bowls. Arrange the chicken, beans and cabbage on top. Scatter the scallion and the remaining pecan pieces on top. Serve with the sauce on top or alongside.