Crispy Peruvian Yuca Fritters with Aji Verde

Name: Crispy Peruvian Yuca Fritters with Aji Verde
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Yuca (cassava); All-Purpose Flour; Queso Fresco; Eggs; Fresh Cilantro; Ground Cumin; Salt and Pepper; Vegetable Oil; Fresh Cilantro Leaves; Jalapeño; Garlic Cloves; Mayonnaise; Sour Cream; Lime Juice; Olive Oil; Salt

Delightfully Crispy Fritters with a Spicy, Herbaceous Dip

These flavorful yuca fritters are a staple of Peruvian cuisine, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, comforting interior. Paired with a spicy and vibrant Aji Verde, they make the perfect appetizer or snack.

1 h 20 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

Yuca Fritters

Yuca (cassava)

2 lbs, peeled and cut into chunks

All-Purpose Flour

1 cup

Queso Fresco

1 cup, grated

Eggs

2 large, beaten

Fresh Cilantro

2 tablespoons, finely chopped

Ground Cumin

1 teaspoon

Salt and Pepper

to taste

Vegetable Oil

for frying

Aji Verde

Fresh Cilantro Leaves

1 cup, packed

Jalapeño

1, seeds removed

Garlic Cloves

2 cloves

Mayonnaise

1/4 cup

Sour Cream

1/4 cup

Lime Juice

2 tablespoons

Olive Oil

1 tablespoon

Salt

to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Yuca

Peel and Prep

Place yuca chunks in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt.

Be cautious when peeling yuca, as the raw skin contains toxic compounds.

Boil Until Tender

Bring to a boil and then simmer until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

Ensure yuca is fork-tender before proceeding for the perfect fritter texture.

Mash Yuca

Drain and let cool slightly before mashing or processing until smooth.

Preparing the Aji Verde

Blend Base

Combine the cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic in a food processor.

For a smokier Aji Verde, grill the jalapeño before blending.

Add Creamy Ingredients

Add mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.

Season and Chill

Season with salt to taste and refrigerate until serving.

Cooking Process

Mix the Fritter Batter

Combine mashed yuca with flour, queso fresco, eggs, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

Form the Fritters

Shape the mixture into small patties or logs, about 2 inches in diameter.

Fry Until Golden

In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Plating & Serving