Mediterranean Diet Crispy Fried Yucca
Experience the perfect fusion of Mediterranean flavors and tropical flair with this Mediterranean Diet Crispy Fried Yucca recipe. This dish transforms the humble cassava root into irresistibly golden, crispy bites, perfectly seasoned with garlic, lemon, and fragrant dried oregano. Boiled until tender and then pan-fried in heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, these yucca fries achieve the ultimate crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. A zesty lemon-garlic drizzle enhances every bite, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Ideal as a shareable appetizer or a unique side dish, this recipe is both Mediterranean-inspired and gluten-free, making it a flavorful fit for various diets. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect way to bring bold, healthy flavors to your table.
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh yucca (cassava) root
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cups water
Directions
Step 1
Begin by peeling the yucca root carefully to remove the tough, woody outer layer. Slice the peeled yucca into 3-inch sections, then halve each section, and cut away the fibrous core.
Step 2
Rinse the yucca pieces in cold water and set them aside.
Step 3
Bring a pot with 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the yucca pieces. Boil the yucca for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart.
Step 4
Drain the yucca and allow it to cool slightly until it's cool enough to handle. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel.
Step 5
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the boiled yucca pieces into the skillet, being cautious to not overcrowd the pan (you may have to do this in batches).
Step 6
Fry the yucca pieces for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the yucca and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and juice of one lemon. Drizzle this lemon-garlic mixture over the fried yucca.
Step 8
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2069.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2449.6 |
| Total Fat 115.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 17.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2523.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 355.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 17.0g | |
| Protein 14.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 266.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2668.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories