Cassava fries with mojo sauce

Crispy cassava fries with spicy mojo sauce

🛒 Ingredients (for 4 people)

For the cassava fries:

• 1 kg cassava (also available as manioc or yuca, peeled)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika powder (smoked, optional)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 liter of vegetable oil (e.g., sunflower oil) for deep-frying

For the spicy mojo sauce:

• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 small red chili pepper (depending on desired spiciness)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish (optional)

🍳 Preparation steps

1. Prepare cassava:
   Peel the cassava (if it wasn't bought already peeled) and cut it into sticks about 1 cm thick – like classic fries.
   Bring plenty of water to a boil in a large pot with 1 teaspoon of salt.
   Pre-cook the cassava pieces for about 15 minutes until they are soft but still hold their shape. Drain and let them drip dry thoroughly.
   Dust with cornstarch, paprika powder and cumin, and mix lightly.
2. Deep frying:
   Heat oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to approximately 180 °C.
   Fry the cassava pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy (approx. 4-5 minutes per batch).
   Drain on kitchen paper and lightly salt.
3. Prepare the mojo sauce:
   Halve the bell peppers, remove the seeds and roughly dice them. Roughly chop the garlic and chili as well.
   Blend everything with cumin, paprika, red wine vinegar, olive oil and a pinch of salt in a mixer or with a hand blender until smooth.
   Taste and adjust seasoning – add more chili or vinegar if needed.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Want them even crispier? Let the cassava strips steam for 10 minutes after cooking – this reduces the moisture.
• Vegan & gluten-free: The recipe is completely plant-based and gluten-free – ideal for many diets.
• Side dish or snack: These fries are great as a side dish to grilled vegetables or as a party snack with various dips.

📣 Try it out!

Fancy trying something new on your plate? Then grab some cassava and get cooking!
If you liked the recipe, feel free to leave me a comment:
👉 How did it taste? Did you try any of your own variations?

Enjoy your meal & have fun crunching!