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Try This: Yucca (or Yuca) Fries

We've been thinking about how much we miss yucca fries (errr - that's actually yuca fries), easily available in our old Florida haunts, but not so common up North. It's not a surprise that this photo comes from a Florida cook and photographer...

Yuca (or yucca) is a creamy, starchy root when fried - like potatoes but sweeter and creamier. Kind of chewy and tender. Absolutely delicious. We are missing it bad enough to grate up a mess and try it ourselves this weekend.

Any tips for attempting yuca/yucca fries? Get this recipe here:

• A summertime twist on steak and potatoes

(Image: Flickr member Greg Turner licensed under Creative Commons)

Comments (5)

Yuca is delicious! Especially with the mysterious orange mayo concoction ubiquitous in El Salvadoran places.

One note, though - NEVER skip the soaking and/or boiling step when preparing yuca - it removes a toxin that is present in varying levels in all yuca roots. Since it's tough to be sure exactly how much toxin is in any given tuber (depends on growing conditions and varietal), better safe than sorry.

posted by brenjay on 2008-05-22 18:02:10
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I had such good yucca fries in the Virgin Islands last month... it would be fun to replicate them at home! Thanks for the recipe!

posted by SisterRae on 2008-05-22 18:43:17
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Yuca fries? More like Yum-a fries! (sorry, I couldn't resist). The only time I've had Yuca, it was served boiled and plain - no salt or anything. This looks like a vast improvement.

Leah
The Jew & The Carrot
http://www.jcarrot.org

posted by The Jew And The Carrot on 2008-05-22 23:30:15
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I live in Dallas, and there are a few Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Salvadorian places in the area that serve yuca. I love it. It ranks right up there with nopales.

If you've ever in Dallas, try out Glorias. They have an amazing Tex-Mex and Salvadorian menu, including yuca.

I'm not shilling... Just recommending....

posted by matmccoy on 2008-05-23 10:17:15
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As much as I love potato fries, when you get some really good yucca fries, omigod, those can't be topped. You should eat them with a good fresh salsa. Skip the ketchup!

I get them at this Mexican grill chicken place in SF.

posted by lolax on 2008-05-25 04:47:36
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