Teresa's Recipes
Yuca Con Mojo
Yuca Con Mojo is a beloved Cuban dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the island. This dish features tender boiled yuca, a starchy root vegetable similar to cassava, which is elevated by a zesty garlic-citrus sauce known as mojo. This sauce, with its aromatic garlic and bright citrus notes, brings the dish to life, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a refreshing appetizer on its own. With roots tracing back to the indigenous Taíno people, yuca con mojo is a staple in Cuban cuisine, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the island.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, peeled and cut into large chunks Yuca (cassava)
- 1 tablespoon (for boiling water) Salt
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed Lime juice
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed Orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground Black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Peel the yuca and cut it into large chunks, ensuring to remove the tough, fibrous core.
- In a large pot, fill with water and add the salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add the yuca chunks to the pot and cook until the yuca is tender, about 20-25 minutes. You can test it by inserting a fork; it should easily pierce through.
- While the yuca is cooking, prepare the mojo sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the oil and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the lime juice, orange juice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Once the yuca is cooked, drain it well and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Pour the warm mojo sauce generously over the yuca and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or seafood.
Tips
- For added depth, consider marinating the yuca in the mojo sauce for 30 minutes before serving.
- Try incorporating some red pepper flakes into the mojo for a spicy kick.
- If fresh citrus is unavailable, bottled juice can be used, but fresh is recommended for the best flavor.