Carimañola with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) yuca 2 pounds (900g) yuca
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the yuca and cut it into chunks. Boil the yuca in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and let it cool.
2. 2.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   Mash the cooked yuca until smooth. Add the grated cheese and mix well.
5. 5.
   Take a small portion of the yuca dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center and fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Shape it into a cylindrical or oval shape.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (180°C). Fry the Carimañolas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Carimañolas hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yuca — Make sure to thoroughly cook the yuca until it is tender to achieve a smooth dough consistency.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the filling.
• Cheese — Experiment with different types of cheese to add your preferred flavor profile to the Carimañolas.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispier exterior, you can lightly coat the Carimañolas in breadcrumbs before frying.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Carimañolas with a side of ají sauce or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
• Leftover Carimañolas can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• If you're short on time, you can use frozen yuca instead of fresh yuca, following the package instructions for cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Carimañolas as an appetizer or main course. They pair well with a fresh green salad or Colombian-style rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Carimañolas on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown exterior. Serve them with a side of ají sauce or salsa for dipping. Add a garnish of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra touch of freshness.