Description
Delicious gluten-free yuca arepas made from cassava, perfect for any meal of the day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated cassava (yuca) or yuca flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup warm water (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as mozzarella or queso fresco)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- If using fresh cassava, start by peeling, grating, rinsing, and squeezing it dry.
- In a bowl, combine the grated cassava with salt.
- Gradually mix in the warm water until you form a smooth, pliable dough.
- Knead the dough lightly and fold in the cheese if you are using it.
- Divide the dough into 8–10 portions and shape each portion into discs about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat oil in a skillet to approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the arepas in batches for about 3–4 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crisp.
- Drain the fried arepas on paper towels and serve them warm.
- If you prefer a less oily version, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead.
Notes
Make sure to squeeze the grated cassava well to remove excess moisture. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American