Sunday, June 23, 2013

Yuca Fingers with Cilantro Mojo “a la Presilla”*


Ingredients for the Cilantro Mojo
1 cup of mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 cup of well packed cilantro leaves, washed and dried
½ jalapeño pepper, seeded and deveined
½ teaspoon of ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice
¼ teaspoon of dried oregano
1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

Preparation
Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. The idea is to blend so well than you won’t see any pieces of cilantro leaves and the mojo is velvety.

Ingredients for the yuca fingers
2 pounds of frozen yuca
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Preparation
In a pot with water and salt, boil the yucca until tender (but not falling apart).

Drain the yucca in a colander and let cool.

Cut the yucca lengthwise into 2 to 3-inch-long fingers.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the yucca in a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and firm.

In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat oil enough to fry the yuca and fry it in batches, until lightly golden on all sides.

Drain the yuca on paper towels.

Serve hot with a bowl of cilantro mojo on the side.

(*) Con la receta de Maricel Presilla.