Golden Crispy Yuca Fries have been on my list of foods to try. The yuca plant is a strange looking root vegetable. I had no idea what it was when I first saw it in the produce section of my local grocer. I took a picture of the yuca plant while at the market, then research it when I went home.
Here’s What I found out about the Yuca Root.
The yuca is also referred to as Cassava. It is a long tuberous starchy root grown in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world like Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. The yuca root is also used to make tapioca. The thickener used in tapioca pudding.
Steps To Prepare The Yuca For Fries
Unlike the potato, the yuca must go through several steps before you can have the golden crispy yuca fries.
- First, you must remove the hard waxy brown outer peel that protects the white flesh inside the yuca root. Be sure to use a sharp knife when removing the peel because it can be a bit of work.
- The yuca root has a thick woody string which runs lengthwise down the center that should be removed before cooking. The woody string can be unpleasant to the taste.
- Cut the yuca into strips for french fries.
- Yuca that contains marbling of grayish or black streaks throughout is spoiled, discard it. If it’s located in one central area it’s possible to cut the defective area off, however, don’t risk eating spoiled food.
Before the golden crispy yuca can become fries they must be boiled first. Place the yuca in a saucepan and cover completely with water. Add cumin, coriander, and salt. Simmer the yuca until tender for 10 minutes. Don’t overcook (Yuca should be firm to the touch). Drain the yuca after cooking then pat dry before cooking again.
Golden Crispy Yuca Fries
It’s nice to have choices don’t you think? I decided to bake half the yuca so I sprinkled olive oil and pepper rub on the yuca and baked them in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. I took the other half of the yuca and fried them in hot oil for 5 minutes at 375 degrees until golden brown. You talk about golden crispy yuca fries both were puffy and delicious.
Since I had never tasted yuca fries before I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to prepare baked and fried yuca and decide which tasted best. The yuca is definitely the cousin to the potato. Both the baked and fried yuca have a wonderful crunchy outside and a light and airy taste inside.
The Cooking Results Are In:
My choice was the baked yuca fries. I couldn’t believe how good they were since they weren’t deep fried in oil. I’m glad to have such a healthy choice to select from. The drawback with the baked yuca is when they become cold there not so good. The golden crispy yuca fries then become the better choice. I see the yuca being a healthy alternative to potato. Yuca has half of the carbohydrates as that of a potato. Except for the added preparation of the yuca enjoy those golden crispy yuca fries with all their added benefits.
Golden Crispy Yuca Fries
- 2 small Yuca Roots ( 1 yuca for baking and 1 yuca for frying). Both must be boiled before baking or frying.
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- BAKED YUCA:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- FRENCH FRIED YUCA:
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees for baked yuca.
- Place the yuca fries into a saucepan cover them fully with water.
- Add the cumin, turmeric, salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to the water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender in the seasoned water.
- Drain yuca after cooking and allow them to cool.
- Place the yuca on paper towels and pat dry. Divide the yuca in half to bake and fry.
- BAKE YUCA: Place the fries on a baking sheet thoroughly coat the fries with cooking oil, and coarse black pepper rub.
- Bake the yuca fries at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until fries are lightly browned. Turn the fries halfway through the cooking process.
- Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle with salt.
- TO FRY: Use a saucepan or deep-fryer to cook the yuca fries in 375 degrees oil for about 5 minutes or until fries are golden brown. When the fries are done remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle the fries with salt.
- Enjoy the tasty golden crispy yuca fries!
