Yuca, also known as cassava, is a delicious starchy tuber that is a staple carbohydrate in many parts of the world. You can substitute it for potatoes in almost any recipe. In these case, we’ll be using it to make some tasty little tots that are crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Underneath that rough looking skin lies some sweet, starchy goodness.
Peel the yucca and chop it into sizable chunks. Place it in a pot and cover with a couple inches of water. Boil until the yucca is fork tender, about 30 minutes.
Drain the yuca and allow it to cool a bit. At this point you’ll want to remove the thin root that runs down the center of the yucca. This can also be done beforehand, I just think it’s easier to find after the yucca is soft.
Grate the boiled yucca using a food processor.
Combine the grated yuca with some arrowroot powder, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt and pepper.
Take a small spoonful of the mixture and form it into a cute little tot. Repeat.
Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown. I prefer to use duck fat, but ghee or lard will work just as well.
Drain on paper towels and enjoy! I really like to serve these tots as a side to some eggs.
Yuca Tots
Ingredients
- 2 medium yuca roots peeled and chopped into 3 inch sections
- 1 tablespoon arrow root powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp all purpose herb seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup duck fat
Instructions
- Place the yuca chunks in a large pot and cover with two inches of water. Bring to a boil and cook until the yuca is fork tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- Drain the yuca and cool. Cut the pieces in half and remove the small root that runs down the center.
- Using a food processor, grate the yuca. Add to a mixing bowl along with the arrow root powder, herb seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and form into a ball. Repeat until the mixture is used up.
- Heat the duck fat over medium high heat in a small cast iron skillet. Working in batches, fry the yuca tots and each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and enjoy!
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