Simple and Delicious Boiled Yuca Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of yuca root
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • Water for boiling
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the yuca roots using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
  2. Cut the peeled yuca roots into 3-inch long sections.
  3. Place the yuca pieces in a large pot and add enough water to cover the yuca. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the pot.
  4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the yuca is soft and can easily be pierced with a fork.
  5. While the yuca is boiling, prepare the garlic oil. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook until it is golden brown. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the black pepper.
  6. Once the yuca is cooked, drain the water and transfer the yuca to a serving dish.
  7. Pour the garlic oil over the cooked yuca and toss gently to coat the yuca with the oil.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle the yuca with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or cumin to add extra flavor to the boiled yuca.
  • Dipping Sauce: Serve the boiled yuca with a variety of dipping sauces like aioli, chimichurri, or a spicy salsa for a tasty twist.
  • Fried Yuca: After boiling the yuca, you can fry it in oil until crispy and golden brown for a different texture and flavor.
  • Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, rosemary, or thyme to the garlic oil for a fresh and aromatic taste.
  • Spicy Yuca: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the boiled yuca to give it a spicy kick.
  • Lemon or Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the boiled yuca before serving to add a tangy citrus flavor.
  • Cheese Topping: After boiling the yuca, place it in a baking dish, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Grilled Yuca: Instead of boiling, you can grill the yuca on a barbecue or grill pan for a smoky flavor and charred exterior.

Recipe overview

This simple and delicious Boiled Yuca recipe is an incredible side dish that is popular in many Latin and Central American cuisines. It's made by boiling chunks of yuca root until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. The yuca is then tossed in a flavorful garlic oil, which gives it a rich and savory taste that complements the naturally mild flavor of the yuca. As an optional step, you can also sprinkle the boiled yuca with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a bit of color and freshness. This dish is not only tasty, but also very versatile and can be served with a variety of main dishes. Whether you're familiar with yuca or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a great way to enjoy it.

Common questions

  1. How do I peel yuca root? To peel yuca root, you can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Start by cutting off both ends of the yuca root, then use the peeler or knife to remove the thick brown skin, making sure to remove any pinkish layer underneath.
  2. How do I know when the yuca is cooked? You can check if the yuca is cooked by piercing it with a fork. If the fork easily goes through the yuca without resistance, it is cooked and ready to be drained.
  3. Can I use frozen yuca instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen yuca instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw the frozen yuca according to the package instructions before boiling.
  4. Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil for the garlic oil? Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of olive oil for the garlic oil. However, keep in mind that olive oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.
  5. Can I add other seasonings to the yuca? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or spices to the yuca. Some popular options include paprika, cayenne pepper, or cumin.
  6. Can I serve boiled yuca with a dipping sauce? Yes, boiled yuca can be served with a dipping sauce of your choice. Common options include aioli, chimichurri, or a spicy salsa.
  7. Can I store leftover boiled yuca? Yes, you can store leftover boiled yuca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can steam or microwave the yuca until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Boiled yuca, or cassava, has been a staple of diets across the Caribbean, Africa, and South America for centuries. Indigenous communities in these regions have long revered this hardy crop for its resilience to harsh weather conditions and its nutritional value. It's said that during the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in the New World, they were astounded to find the Arawak people seemingly subsisting on a diet largely composed of cassava. They learned that the Arawak would painstakingly extract the toxic cyanide compounds from the yuca and then use the remaining substance to produce a variety of foods, from flatbreads to stews, and even beverages. The explorers were so impressed with this humble root vegetable that they took it back to Europe, where it gradually became a part of cuisines around the world. Today, boiled yuca with garlic sauce is a beloved comfort food in Cuban households, a testament to the enduring legacy of this versatile plant.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.