Sugar-Free Arepa de Masa de Yuca

Indulge in the delightful, gluten-free goodness of Sugar-Free Arepa de Masa de Yuca—a unique twist on a classic Latin American staple. Made with fresh yuca (cassava), these arepas boast a naturally chewy texture and golden, crispy exterior. Blended with savory Monterey Jack cheese, aromatic chopped cilantro, and a pinch of black pepper, each bite is bursting with flavor. Perfect for those seeking a sugar-free, wholesome alternative, this recipe uses minimal ingredients and comes together in under an hour. These yuca arepas are versatile and pair beautifully with toppings or sides of your choice. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or part of a hearty meal, they’re a satisfying way to elevate your culinary repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh yuca (cassava)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 120 milliliters water
• 100 grams monterey jack cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Peel the yuca and cut it into large chunks of about 3-4 inches. Ensure you remove any fibrous core from the center.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the yuca pieces and cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 3

Once cooked, drain the yuca and let it cool for a few minutes. Mash it thoroughly to create a smooth, dough-like consistency.

Step 4

Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, grated Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 5

Gradually add water to the mixture and knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and manageable. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more yuca or if too dry, add a bit more water.

Step 6

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 7

Heat olive oil in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the yuca arepas in the skillet, ensuring they don't touch each other.

Step 8

Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 9

Remove from heat and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve the arepas warm, on their own or with your favorite toppings or sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(258.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	648.0

Total Fat 60.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 89.3mg	0%
Sodium 3007.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 0.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g	0%
Total Sugars 0.0g
Protein 25.1g	0%

Vitamin D 21.4IU	0%
Calcium 727.4mg	0%
Iron 1.2mg	0%
Potassium 88.6mg	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: 83.9%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 0.5%