Mandi'o Fritters with African Twist

Ingredients

In this African adaptation of the Paraguayan dish, we incorporate African spices and ingredients to infuse the fritters with a distinct flavor profile. The original recipe typically uses traditional Paraguayan spices and herbs, but we replace them with African spices such as berbere, harissa, or peri-peri to give the dish an authentic African taste. We alse have the original recipe for Pastel mandi'o, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) grated mandioca (cassava) 2 cups (300g) grated mandioca (cassava)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon berbere spice 1 teaspoon berbere spice
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated mandioca, chopped onion, minced garlic, berbere spice, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Take a small portion of the mandioca mixture and shape it into a small fritter. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. 4.
   Carefully place the fritters into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. 5.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Mandi'o fritters hot as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mandioca (cassava) — Make sure to grate the mandioca finely to achieve the right texture for the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mandioca mixture.
• Serve the fritters with a side of spicy African tomato chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the fritters in the oven instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different African spice blends to create your own unique flavor combination.
• These fritters can also be enjoyed as a main course when served with a side of African-inspired vegetable stew.

Serving advice

Serve the Mandi'o fritters as an appetizer or snack with a side of spicy African tomato chutney. They can also be served as a main course accompanied by a flavorful African-inspired vegetable stew.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mandi'o fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside the spicy African tomato chutney in a small bowl for dipping.