Classic homemade yucca fries that are seriously addictive. This crowd pleaser is native throughout the Caribbean, including parts of Latin America.
Cassava can replace potatoes in many dishes and can be prepared in similar ways – it can be boiled, mashed, fried or baked. They are known as the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. It is either sweet or bitter.
YUCA BENEFITS
Yuca is great for teeth and bone structure. It is loaded with minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. These are the components to help maintain bone density and fortifying the teeth.
YUCCA VS. YUCA
We often confuse yucca with yuca. However, there are some key differences between the two.
- Yucca: This is a plant that’s most often used as an ornamental plant. It is also commonly found in the dry climate, primarily of New Mexico. It about 40-50 different shrubs.
- Yuca: More commonly known as cassava or manioc. Despite its similar name to Yucca, Yuca is a tuber native to Latin America and the Caribbean. It is very much similar to potato. It is loaded with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
- The manganese found in yuca is needed to fortify and help build connective tissues around the bones and teeth. In addition to restricting the bones and teeth density, it is also good to help ease inflammation and musculoskeletal health.
How To Clean & Cut
You should always peel yuca / cassava before frying or cooking them. Just like yams, these root vegetables are not mean to be cooked unpeeled.
Simply take your knife, make a small slit, and use the knife to help you peel the skin off the vegetable.
Cooking Instructions
You can make these yucca fries your own by adding a few different spices. Feel free to experiment with the seasoning. Feel free to add some heat to jazz them up.
Here’s how to prepare them for frying: Start with by placing one cup of water in a large bowl. Peel and cut the yuca into even size batons, then place the batons in the bowl of water. Set aside.
Bring 2 cups of water to boil. Next, drain the yuca batons from the water bowl, and add them to the boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes. Drain after 5 minutes.
At this point you may season your yucca fries before frying them or you may fry them as is and season them later.
Next, heat the oil (1 quart) to 350 degrees. Carefully transfer the fries to the oil and fry for 5-8 minutes.
Place the fries in a paper towel plate, season as desired.
Is cassava or yucca part of the paleo diet?
Yes, cassava is part of the paleo diet as it is fat-free. And because it is not a potato, and it is a rooted vegetable, it is part of the paleo diet. However, I do encourage you to do some research of your own or consult with your doctor.
PREPARATION TIPS
- Slice the ends of the yuca. Then cut in half for better handling. Using a paring knife, slice the skin and use the knife to help peel the skin. If using your fingers, be very careful as it might get stuck underneath your nails.
- Once the skin is removed, slice the yuca as uniformly as possible. This will ensure that they all cook evenly.
- Best to use fresh ingredients as much as possible. The flavors of the fresh herbs and spices are what make the dish taste so amazing!
OTHER VEGAN RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY
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Classic Yucca Fries
Equipment
- Deep fryer
Ingredients
Fried Yucca Fries
- 1 ½ lbs. Cassava / Yuca
- 1 Qt. Vegetable Oil For Frying
Instructions
- Start with by placing one cup of water in a large bowl. Peel and cut the yuca into even size batons, then place the batons in the bowl of water. Set aside.Bring 2 cups of water to boil. Next, drain the yuca batons from the water bowl, and add them to the boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes. Drain after 5 minutes.
- At this point you may season your yucca fries before frying them or you may fry them as is and season them later.Next, heat the oil (1 quart) to 350 degrees. Carefully transfer the fries to the oil and fry for 5-8 minutes.
- Season as desired after frying.
Video
Notes
- These fries are best enjoyed warm.
- If you are using fresh yucca to make the fried yucca fries, be sure to peel it properly, cut it into the desired size and cook it in a boiling water for about 5 minutes before frying. This method prevents them from being hard.
Hayley | The Simple Supper
I’ve never had yucca fries before. They sound great!
MDesir
It is very delicious! Thanks for reading, Hayley.
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
Oh my goodness these look so good! I definitely need to get on the Yucca fry train. Thank you so much for the delicious inspiration. ?
MDesir
Thank you, Sara!
Heather
These yucca fries look amazing! I have always wanted to try making them, but I always get so intimidated by yucca at the store. Thanks for making it more approachable 🙂
MDesir
Oh NO! Please don’t. You should give them a try 🙂
Sydni
Looks so good! Can’t wait to try thiese!
Stephanie
I love this idea! I’ve never seen fries made with yucca before – can’t wait to try this! 😀 I like the idea of a pesto dipping sauce, too!
Vivian Evans
Oh my! this is great! I’m excited to try this. I love yucca ?
MDesir
I do too! Thank you, Vivian!
Joe A
This looks absolutely delicious! I’ve never tried yucca but now I want to. Yummy!
tachira wiltshire
I have never fried cassava before but breadfruit and sweet potato fries are some of my faves . Will give these a try and that dip looks like the perfect compliment.
DD's blog
I learn one more way to prepare fries. They look so delicious. ?
Luci
These look really delicious. I’ve never tried yucca before but using this recipe is worth the try.
MDesir
Thank you, Luci!
Daria
I have never made fries like these, i am so going to try.
April
Yessss! These sound mouthwatering! I’m waiting on my invite to your dinner party next year haha! For now, I’ll just have to get frozen ones from Walmart and make my own.
MDesir
Next year! You are invited! 🙂 lol Thank you.
Camila
Absolutely delicious recipe! We eat a lot of fried yuca in Brazil!! It’s a staple!! Very delicious! And that dipping sauce is just even more delicious!
MDesir
Wonderful! So you are very familiar with it.
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
That basil sauce looks magical! And i am totally trying yucca fries asap. Yum ^^. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
MDesir
Thank you, Sara. You are too kind!
Traci | The Petite Chef
I have a confession to make: I’ve never tried yucca! Totally going to try these out – they look so crispy and the simple homemade basil pesto sauce sounds divine.
MDesir
hahaha! thanks for your confession! Now, you must try them 🙂
Fred Nonterah
I’m a big fan of fried yucca! I used to go this Brazilian steak house where I’ll get them all the time, they were the best. I would love to try your recipe, thanks for sharing!
MDesir
Please do and let me know how you like it. Thanks, Fred.
Lisa
These looks so tasty! I want to try them right now!
Luna S
Those look like they have just the right crunch to them!