Yuca (Cassava) Fries
Swap those regular potato fries for yuca fries! They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. We will arm you with a few simple tricks to perfect this classic Latin American side dish any day of the week!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. yuca (cassava) blanca approximately 2 roots
- 3 cups grapeseed oil or other high-heat oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 6-8 cups water
Instructions
1. Cut and Peel the Yuca
- Cut off both ends of each yuca root. Then, cut each root into approximately three equal-sized pieces (4 to 5 inches long).
- Cut a slit lengthwise into the bark of each root using a knife. Move the blade back and forth under the skin to remove the bark from the root's flesh. Lift the skin from the root's flesh.
- Wash the peeled yuca.
2. Boil the Yuca
- Add the yuca to a medium to a large saucepan.
- Fill the saucepan with approximately 6 to 8 cups of water (or until the yuca is submerged).
- Add 1 tbsp salt.
- Boil the yuca for 20-25 minutes or until they begin to split slightly down the center of the yuca lengthwise and are fork-tender. Don't puncture the yuca completely if you use a fork, as it may fall apart.
3. Allow Yuca to Cool and Remove the Inner Root
- Using cooking tongs, remove the yuca from the hot water and place them onto a cutting board.
- Allow the yuca to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Cut each yuca round in half lengthwise.
- Remove the fibrous inner root with your fingers in the center of each halved yuca piece. It looks like a string of yarn.
4. Cut Yuca into Fries and Prepare the Oil
- Cut each halved yuca piece lengthwise into fries that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
- Add 2-3 inches of grapeseed oil to a pot or Dutch oven.
- Place the pot or Dutch oven onto the stovetop at medium heat.
- Slowly heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
5. Fry those Fries
- Working in batches, fry the yuca fries for 3 minutes or until just browned.
- Remove the fries from the hot oil using a slotted spoon and place them onto a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Allow them to cool for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg
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