Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean Netherlands with our tantalizing Yuca Fries recipe. Bursting with flavor and cultural heritage, this beloved dish captures the essence of the vibrant island life. Originating from the picturesque islands of the Netherlands Antilles, Yuca Fries offer a delightful fusion of indigenous ingredients and colonial influences, creating a unique gastronomic experience that's sure to transport your taste buds to paradise. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this mouthwatering Caribbean delicacy, bringing a slice of tropical bliss to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 large yuca root (cassava), peeled and cut into fries
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste
• Optional: seasoning blend (such as garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder)

Instructions:

1- Peel the yuca root and cut it into fries, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long. Make sure to remove any tough fibers from the center.

2- Place the yuca fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

3- In a large, deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.

4- Carefully pat the yuca fries dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

5- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the yuca fries in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

6- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fries from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7- Season the yuca fries with salt while they are still hot. You can also sprinkle them with your favorite seasoning blend for extra flavor.

8- Serve the Caribbean Netherlands Yuca Fries hot and enjoy them as a delicious side dish or snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as aioli or ketchup.

9- Repeat the frying process with the remaining yuca fries until they are all cooked.

Enjoy the crispy, golden perfection of these deep-fried yuca fries, reminiscent of the sunny shores of the Caribbean Netherlands!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the Caribbean Netherlands Yuca Fries recipe:

Yuca Root (Cassava):

• Serving size: 1 cup, sliced (about 206g)
• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 0.6g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Sodium: 21mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 78g
• Dietary Fiber: 3.7g
• Sugars: 3.7g
• Protein: 2.3g
• Vitamin C: 47% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 3% DV (Source: USDA FoodData Central)

benefits:

• Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy.
• Contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• High in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
• Contains small amounts of minerals like calcium and iron, important for bone health and oxygen transport in the body.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

• Serving size: 1 tablespoon (about 14g)
• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g (Source: USDA FoodData Central)

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are essential for cell structure and hormone production.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Can contribute to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K.

Salt (to taste):

• Nutritional values for salt are negligible as it is used in very small amounts for seasoning.

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor of food.
• Plays a role in maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve function in the body.
• Provides small amounts of essential minerals like sodium and chloride, which are important for overall health.

Optional Seasoning Blend:

• Nutritional values for seasoning blend can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the quantities. Typically, spices like garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder are very low in calories and contain negligible amounts of macronutrients.

benefits:

• Adds flavor and depth to the dish without significantly increasing calorie intake.
• Some spices like garlic powder may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Others like paprika and chili powder may contain capsaicin, which has been associated with various health benefits including pain relief and improved metabolism.

It's important to note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary based on factors such as the size of the yuca root, the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the specific ingredients used in the seasoning blend.