Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Dominican Republic with this traditional dish, Yuca al Mojo. This mouthwatering recipe features hearty yuca roots bathed in a tangy and aromatic mojo sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Slow-cooked to perfection, the yuca absorbs the rich essence of garlic, citrus, and spices, delivering a culinary experience that embodies the essence of Caribbean cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course, Yuca al Mojo is sure to transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Dominican Republic with every delicious bite.

Here's a recipe for Dominican Republic Yuca al Mojo:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup sour orange juice (can substitute with a mixture of orange and lime juice)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1- Start by peeling the yuca and cutting it into manageable chunks, about 2 inches long. Make sure to remove any woody fibers from the center.

2- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the yuca chunks and cook until they are tender but still firm, about 20-25 minutes. Test the yuca with a fork; it should pierce easily but not fall apart. Once cooked, drain the yuca and set it aside.

3- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

4- Pour in the sour orange juice and water, and add the dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

5- Add the cooked yuca to the pan with the mojo sauce. Gently toss the yuca to coat it evenly with the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the yuca to absorb some of the sauce.

6- Once the yuca is heated through and well-coated with the mojo sauce, remove it from the heat.

7- Transfer the Yuca al Mojo to a serving platter and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired.

8- Serve the Yuca al Mojo hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course with some additional protein such as grilled chicken or fish.

This flavorful Yuca al Mojo dish is perfect for showcasing the vibrant and delicious flavors of Dominican cuisine. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the Dominican Republic Yuca al Mojo recipe per serving:

Yuca (cassava) - 1 cup (about 206g)

• Calories: 330
• Carbohydrates: 78g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 70% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin B6: 20% DV
• Folate: 30% DV
• Magnesium: 30% DV
• Potassium: 15% DV

benefits:

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains vitamin B6, important for metabolism and brain health.
• High in folate, essential for DNA synthesis and cell division.
• Good source of magnesium and potassium, which support heart health and muscle function.

Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon (about 14g)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Vitamin E: 10% DV

benefits:

• Healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to overall heart health.

Garlic - 1 clove (about 3g)

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: 1% DV
• Manganese: 2% DV

benefits:

• Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
• Contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Sour Orange Juice - 1/4 cup (about 59ml)

• Calories: 15
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin C: 30% DV

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption.
• Provides antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
• May aid digestion and promote a healthy gut due to its acidic nature.

Oregano - 1 teaspoon (about 1g)

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin K: 8% DV

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and thymol, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Contains compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
• May have antimicrobial effects against bacteria and fungi.

These values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, ripeness, and cooking methods.