Fried Yucca with Huancaína Sauce

c
@cocinero44

A classic Peruvian dish, Yucas Fritas con Salsa Huancaina combines crispy fried cassava sticks with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. It's a popular appetizer or side dish full of rich flavors and vibrant colors. This dish perfectly balances the textures of crunchiness from the cassava and creaminess from the sauce.

Fried Yucca with Huancaína Sauce recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

5 Servings
(1 serving = approximately 200g)

Cassava

  • large yuccas (cassava)
    large yuccas (cassava)
    2
  • Salt, to taste
    Salt, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
    Vegetable oil, for frying

Huancaina Sauce

  • ricotta cheese
    ricotta cheese
    300g
  • fresh yellow peppers, seeded
    fresh yellow peppers, seeded
    7
  • small onion, chopped
    small onion, chopped
    1
  • milk
    milk
    2/3cup
  • garlic clove, minced
    garlic clove, minced
    1

How to make Fried Yucca with Huancaína Sauce

Prepare the Yucca

  1. Step 1

    Wash and peel the yuccas.

  2. Step 2

    Cut each yucca into 2 or 3 sections, depending on size.

  3. Step 3

    Cook in salted water until tender, then drain and let cool completely

  4. Step 4

    Once cool, cut the yucca into sticks. These can be fried immediately or frozen for later use.

Fry the Yucca

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a frying pan.

  2. Step 2

    Fry the cassava sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.

  3. Step 3

    Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

Make the Huancaina Sauce

  1. Step 1

    Blend the seeded yellow peppers and milk until smooth.

  2. Step 2

    In a pan, sauté the onion in a tablespoon of oil until translucent.

  3. Step 3

    Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.

  4. Step 4

    Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the pepper mixture in the blender.

  5. Step 5

    Add the ricotta cheese and blend again until very creamy.

  6. Step 6

    Add a little more oil if needed for consistency.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Serve the fried yucca hot, accompanied by the creamy Huancaína sauce

  2. Step 2

    It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish with your favorite meat.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

117.3kcal (5.86%)

Protein

8.8g (17.52%)

Carbs

4.7g (1.69%)

Sugars

4.5g (8.98%)

Healthy Fat

2.1g

Unhealthy Fat

5.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. If fresh yellow chili peppers are unavailable, use a paste or canned version, adjusting the amount to control spiciness.

  2. Ensure the cassava is thoroughly dried before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?

    Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese if queso fresco is unavailable.

  2. Can I use frozen yucca for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use store-bought frozen yucca. Just boil and cool before frying.

  3. How should I store leftovers?

    The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently. Fried cassava should be consumed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day and re-crisped in the oven.

  4. What can I serve with this dish?

    Pair with grilled meats or serve as a standalone appetizer. Garnish with chopped parsley for added color.

  5. Can I prepare the cassava in advance?

    Yes, you can boil the cassava in advance and fry it just before serving.

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