Welcome to the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica, where every bite tells a story of tropical richness and culinary heritage. In this recipe, we delve into the heart of Costa Rican cuisine to bring you a beloved dish: Yuca Frita. Yuca, also known as cassava, is a versatile root vegetable cherished for its hearty texture and subtle sweetness. When fried to golden perfection, it becomes a crunchy indulgence that perfectly complements any meal or stands alone as a delightful snack. Join us on a culinary journey to discover the authentic taste of Costa Rica with our irresistible Yuca Frita recipe. Let's dive into the kitchen and unleash the flavors of paradise!

Ingredients:

• 1 large yuca root
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Yuca: Start by peeling the yuca root with a sharp knife. Cut off both ends of the yuca, then slice it into manageable sections. Carefully cut each section lengthwise into quarters to expose the fibrous core. Using the knife, remove the fibrous core from each quarter. Cut the yuca into evenly sized sticks or wedges.

Boil the Yuca: Place the yuca sticks or wedges in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the yuca simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is tender but still firm. Test the yuca with a fork to ensure it's cooked through. Once done, drain the yuca and let it cool slightly.

Fry the Yuca: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the boiled yuca sticks or wedges to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary. Fry the yuca until it turns golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes per batch.

Drain and Season: Once the yuca is golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle the fried yuca with salt while it's still hot, ensuring the seasoning adheres well.

Serve: Arrange the fried yuca on a serving platter and serve hot. For an authentic Costa Rican touch, serve the yuca frita with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the crispy sticks or wedges. Enjoy this delicious snack or side dish as a taste of Costa Rican culinary tradition!

Note: Be cautious when working with hot oil and frying. Always supervise the frying process and handle hot oil with care to prevent accidents.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Costa Rican Yuca Frita recipe:

Yuca Root (1 large):

• Calories: 330
• Carbohydrates: 78g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 70% DV
• Folate: 40% DV
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 25% DV
• Potassium: 20% DV
• Magnesium: 20% DV

benefits:

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates, offering sustained energy.
• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• High in vitamin C, boosting immune function and promoting healthy skin.
• Contains folate, essential for cell division and fetal development during pregnancy.
• Good source of thiamine (Vitamin B1), supporting nerve and muscle function.
• Contains potassium and magnesium, important for heart health and muscle function.

Vegetable Oil (for frying) (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• No cholesterol
• No sodium
• No carbohydrates
• No protein
• No fiber

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, essential for brain function and hormone production.
• Contains polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
• No cholesterol, making it heart-friendly.
• Adds flavor and texture to fried foods.

Salt (per teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Sodium: 2,325mg (varies based on type and brand)
• No fat
• No carbohydrates
• No protein

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor of dishes, making them more enjoyable.
• Regulates fluid balance in the body and helps maintain proper hydration.
• Essential for nerve function and muscle contraction.
• Helps to preserve foods and extend their shelf life.

Lime Wedges (1 lime, juice only):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin C: 20% DV
• No fat
• No protein

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, boosting immune function and aiding in collagen production for healthy skin.
• Adds a refreshing citrus flavor to dishes, enhancing their taste.
• Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
• Can aid digestion and promote detoxification when consumed with meals.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the size of the yuca root and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. Additionally, the nutritional values for salt are based on typical table salt; specialty salts may have different compositions.