Delight in the crispy and delectable taste of Brazil with “Mandioca Frita”. Commonly known as fried cassava or yuca fries, this Brazilian staple is a must-try for those who love a golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, melt-in-the-mouth inside. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, Mandioca Frita truly represents the flavor and essence of Brazilian street food.
Equipment Required for the recipe
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Bowl for soaking
continues after ad
Estimated time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes (excluding soaking)
continues after ad
Ingredients
- 500g fresh cassava (mandioca or yuca)
- Water, for soaking and boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
continues after ad
Instructions
- Peel the cassava using a knife to remove the thick outer skin.
- Cut the cassava into 3-inch long sections and then slice each section into fry-like sticks.
- Place the cassava sticks in a bowl, cover with water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- After soaking, drain the water and transfer the cassava sticks to a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 10 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked.
- Drain and let the cassava sticks dry thoroughly.
- In a deep frying pan or fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, fry the cassava sticks in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn golden brown.
- Remove using a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still hot, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
continues after ad
Important notes about the recipe
- Ensure the cassava is thoroughly dry before frying to prevent splattering.
- It’s essential to boil the cassava slightly before frying. This ensures the insides are cooked while the outside gets crispy.
continues after ad
Conclusion
Brazilian Mandioca Frita is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience of textures and flavors that take you straight to the bustling streets of Brazil. The golden crisp combined with the soft, starchy interior makes for an irresistible snack that pairs perfectly with cold beverages or dips. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a solo snack session, Mandioca Frita is sure to elevate the occasion. So the next time you crave a crunchy bite, remember this Brazilian gem and let your taste buds samba!
continues after ad
Nutritional Information per serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Serving Size: 5-6 fries
continues after ad