Yucca Fries
Jennifer IserlohYucca Root, also called cassava, is a waxy root vegetable that grows in Southern America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Traditionally, yucca is cooked the same way as white potatoes, but has a denser texture which lends itself well to making breads like Columbia's cheesy, soft pandebono rolls and desserts, like yucca coconut.

I love that it's high in fiber and acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory to helps to ease arthritis pain, but it also possesses a mellow flavor that is great for a twist on classic American recipes like good old French fries. The root is incredibly hard with it's raw, so I strip the skin with a potato peeler before cutting the flesh into sticks. Steaming yucca before adding it to the skillet is a must and helps maintain a soft, starchy inner texture while the outside get crispy and golden.


Get the Skinny Chef's Yucca Fries and Cilantro Mayonnaise recipes.