Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of Costa Rica, where the flavors of the tropics come together in a harmonious symphony of taste. Among the many delights that this beautiful country has to offer, enyucados stand out as a beloved traditional treat. These delightful morsels, made from yuca (cassava), are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Costa Rica.

In this recipe, we'll take you on a culinary journey to the heart of Costa Rican cuisine, where you'll learn how to create these irresistible enyucados in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to bring a taste of the tropics to your next gathering or simply craving a delicious snack, these enyucados are sure to satisfy your palate and transport you to the sunny shores of Costa Rica. So, let's dive in and discover the magic of Costa Rican enyucados together!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated cassava (yuca)
• 1 cup grated cheese (queso blanco or any cheese of your choice)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Cassava Dough:

1- Start by peeling the cassava and grating it finely using a box grater or a food processor.

2- Place the grated cassava in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture.

3- Transfer the grated cassava to a mixing bowl.

Add Ingredients:

1- To the grated cassava, add the egg, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

2- Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined to form a dough-like consistency.

Form the Enyucados:

1- Take a small portion of the cassava dough and flatten it in your palm to form a small disc.

2- Place a small amount of grated cheese in the center of the disc.

3- Fold the edges of the cassava dough over the cheese to enclose it completely, shaping it into a ball or small cake. Ensure the cheese is well sealed inside the dough.

Repeat:

1- Repeat the process with the remaining cassava dough and cheese until all the enyucados are formed.

Heat Oil for Frying:

1- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough oil for deep frying over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

Fry the Enyucados:

1- Carefully add the enyucados to the hot oil, a few at a time, depending on the size of your frying vessel. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

2- Fry the enyucados until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even frying.

Drain and Serve:

1- Once the enyucados are golden brown and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

2- Serve the enyucados hot and crispy as a delightful snack or appetizer.

Enjoy the delicious taste of Costa Rican enyucados, with their crispy exterior giving way to a gooey, cheese-filled center. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a savory indulgence on your own. ¡Buen provecho!

Nutritional Values:

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

Grated Cassava (Yuca):

• Serving Size: 1 cup (206g)
• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 0.3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 17mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 78g
• Dietary Fiber: 4.7g
• Sugars: 0.6g
• Protein: 2.4g

benefits:

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and collagen production.
• Contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus for bone health.

Grated Cheese (Queso Blanco or any cheese of your choice):

• Serving Size: 1 cup (132g)
• Calories: 452
• Total Fat: 37g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Cholesterol: 116mg
• Sodium: 704mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2.6g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.6g
• Protein: 28g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Provides vitamins like vitamin A and B12 for eye health and energy metabolism.
• Offers phosphorus for energy production and bone health.

Egg:

• Serving Size: 1 large egg (50g)
• Calories: 70
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.6g
• Protein: 6g

benefits:

• High-quality source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in choline, which supports brain function and development.
• Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants beneficial for eye health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

All-Purpose Flour:

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (15g)
• Calories: 54
• Total Fat: 0.2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11.3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugars: 0.1g
• Protein: 1.6g

benefits:

• Acts as a binding agent in recipes.
• Provides carbohydrates, the body's main source of energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.

Baking Powder:

• Serving Size: 1 teaspoon (4g)
• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 496mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.9g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• A leavening agent that helps dough or batter rise during baking.
• Allows baked goods to become light and fluffy in texture.

Salt:

• Serving Size: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1162mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances flavor in foods.
• Regulates fluid balance in the body.
• Necessary for nerve and muscle function.

Oil for Frying (Assuming Vegetable Oil):

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (14g)
• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Adds moisture and crispiness to fried foods.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, specific type of ingredient, and method of preparation.