Mediterranean Diet Crispy Fried Cassava

Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this irresistibly crispy fried cassava recipe! A perfect fusion of bold spices and wholesome ingredients, this dish transforms humble cassava into golden, crunchy perfection. Boiled for a tender interior, then fried in heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, each piece is dusted with a fragrant blend of garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. A zesty drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley elevate the flavors, making it an ideal snack or side dish. Ready in under 40 minutes, this Mediterranean diet-friendly recipe is a deliciously simple way to enjoy gluten-free, plant-based comfort food that’s packed with texture and taste. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, serve it hot and let the warm, spiced aromas transport you to a sun-kissed coastal table.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Cassava (yuca)
• 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

1. Begin by peeling the cassava to remove the thick, brown skin. Cut the peeled cassava into roughly 3-inch long pieces, then slice each piece in half lengthwise.

Step 2

2. Place the cassava in a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cassava is fork-tender but not falling apart.

Step 3

3. Once cooked, drain the cassava and allow it to cool slightly. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to ensure they are dry before frying.

Step 4

4. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by testing with a piece of cassava - it should sizzle immediately upon contact.

Step 5

5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, cumin, paprika, remaining salt (0.5 teaspoon), and black pepper.

Step 6

6. Fry the cassava pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook each piece until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Step 7

7. Once fried, remove the cassava using a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8

8. Immediately sprinkle the fried cassava with the spice mixture and toss to ensure even coating.

Step 9

9. Drizzle the lemon juice over the cassava and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 10

10. Serve hot as a snack or side dish, and enjoy the Mediterranean flavors of this crispy fried cassava.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1082.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2448.4

Total Fat 115.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3679.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 353.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 14.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 199.4mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 2689.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 2.3%

Carbs: 56.3%