Warm Japanese Yam & Shiitake Salad

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut the Japanese yam into 1 inch cubes, place on a baking sheet, and toss with 2 tsp vegetable oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast the diced Japanese yam until tender and slightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.

Wipe the shiitake mushrooms clean with a damp kitchen towel, remove the stems, and thinly slice the caps. Pick the cilantro leaves from the stems. Peel the orange and cut into wedges. Thinly slice the jalapeño. Halve and juice the lime.

Heat just 2 tsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the roasted Japanese yams, cooked shiitake mushrooms, cilantro leaves, orange wedges, sliced jalapeño, just half the lime juice, remaining sesame oil, shredded red cabbage, and almonds to a large bowl. Toss the warm Japanese yam and shiitake salad. Taste, and add salt and pepper as necessary.

Add the remaining lime juice and spicy peanut sauce to a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Divide the warm Japanese yam and shiitake salad between plates. Drizzle with spicy peanut dressing. Bon appétit!