Discover how to make Yuca con Chicharrón, a beloved Latin American dish featuring crispy fried pork belly served over tender, flavorful cassava (yuca). This easy-to-follow recipe brings together rich, savory flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for any meal. Learn the steps to prepare this traditional dish and enjoy a taste of authentic Latin cuisine right at home. 

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks

- 1 lb pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

- Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Cook the Yuca:

  - Place the yuca chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt.

  - Bring to a boil and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the yuca is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

  - Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Pork Belly:

  - In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  - Add the pork belly pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.

  - Remove the pork belly from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat. 

Season the Pork Belly:

  - In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, paprika, and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

  - Return the pork belly to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic and spices. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve:

  - Arrange the cooked yuca on a serving platter.

  - Top with the crispy pork belly.

  - Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your Yuca con Chicharrón with a side of your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick!

Nutritional Values

2 lbs Yuca (Cassava), Peeled and Cut into Chunks

  - Calories: 160

  - Carbohydrates: 38g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

  - Rich in carbohydrates for energy.

  - Provides dietary fiber and vitamin C.

1 lb Pork Belly, Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces

  - Calories: 518

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 9g

  - Fat: 54g

Benefits:

  - Adds rich flavor and texture to the stew.

  - Provides protein and essential fats.

4 Cloves Garlic, Minced

  - Calories: 149

  - Carbohydrates: 33g

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

  - Adds a robust flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants and may support immune health.

1 Teaspoon Paprika

  - Calories: 282

  - Carbohydrates: 54g

  - Protein: 14g

  - Fat: 13g

Benefits:

  - Adds color and flavor.

  - Provides vitamins A and E.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

  - Calories: 375

  - Carbohydrates: 44g

  - Protein: 18g

  - Fat: 22g

Benefits:

  - Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

Salt and Black Pepper to Taste

Salt:

   - Calories: 0

   - Sodium: 38,000mg

Black Pepper:

   - Calories: 255

   - Carbohydrates: 64g

   - Protein: 10g

   - Fat: 3g

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants.

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

  - Calories: 884

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 100g

Benefits:

  - Used for cooking the pork belly.

  - Provides essential fats for flavor and texture.

Fresh Cilantro, Chopped (for Garnish)

  - Calories: 23

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

  - Adds a fresh, herbal flavor.

  - Provides vitamins A, C, and K, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Lime Wedges (for Serving)

  - Calories: 30

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds acidity and brightness to the dish.

  - Provides vitamin C and antioxidants.