When it comes to versatile ingredients, cassava (also known as manioc or yuca) takes the cake. This starchy root vegetable can be boiled, baked, fried, or even used as a flour substitute in baking. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, main course, snack, or dessert, cassava is an incredibly flexible ingredient that can fit into any culinary situation.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through the many faces of cassava by exploring 18 delicious recipes that showcase its potential. From savory and spicy to sweet and indulgent, these dishes are sure to inspire you to get creative with this underrated ingredient. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to experiment with new flavors, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Garlic Butter Roasted Cassava
Cassava, also known as yuca or manioc, is a starchy root that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of cassava while adding a savory twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cassavas, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the cassava pieces, minced garlic, and softened butter until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the cassava mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cassava is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Crispy Cassava Fries with Spicy Aioli
Experience the thrill of a tropical twist on classic fries! This recipe combines the crispy, flavorful cassava fries with a creamy and spicy aioli dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cassava tubers
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt, to taste
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
Instructions:
1. Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and cut the cassava tubers into long, thin strips.
3. Fry the cassava strips in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
4. Drain excess oil on paper towels; season with salt to taste.
5. To make the spicy aioli, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic clove in a bowl.
6. Serve the crispy cassava fries hot with the spicy aioli for dipping.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including preparation time)
Coconut Milk Braised Cassava
This recipe combines the rich flavors of coconut milk and spices with the comforting warmth of braising cassava, creating a deliciously unique side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cassava root, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cassava pieces and stir to coat with the onion mixture.
5. Pour in the coconut milk, then add the cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and braise for 30-40 minutes or until the cassava is tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Cassava Chips
Cassava chips just got a whole lot better with the addition of sweet and spicy flavors! This recipe combines the crispy texture of cassava with a tangy and savory flavor profile that’s perfect for snacking.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cassavas, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1-2 dried red chilies, crushed or 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Add the cassava slices to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cassava slices in a single layer.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with crushed red chilies or cayenne pepper (if using).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Baked Cassava Casserole
A creamy, cheesy twist on traditional cassava dishes, this casserole is perfect for a comforting side dish or main course. With the simplicity of cassava and the richness of cheese, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 2 large cassava roots, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cassava slices, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and milk. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add the cassava mixture and smooth out.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
5. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cassava and Black Bean Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of traditional flavors from the Americas, combining the earthy sweetness of cassava with the richness of black beans. A simple yet satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cassava root, peeled and diced
– 2 cups cooked black beans (canned or cooked from scratch)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced cassava and cooked black beans; stir to combine.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until the cassava is tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Grilled Cassava with Herb Chimichurri
A flavorful twist on traditional cassava, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of grilled roots with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce. Perfect for a summer side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized cassava roots
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Clean and peel the cassava roots, then slice into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Brush both sides of the cassava with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the cassava for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Meanwhile, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
6. Stir in olive oil to create the chimichurri sauce.
7. Serve grilled cassava with herb chimichurri spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cassava Flour Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day with a delicious and gluten-free breakfast option using cassava flour pancakes, topped with pure maple syrup. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a grain-free alternative to traditional pancake recipes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cassava flour
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup almond milk or other non-dairy milk
– 2 large eggs
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together cassava flour, coconut oil, salt, and baking soda.
2. Add almond milk, eggs, and whisk until smooth batter forms.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
5. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with pure maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Creamy Cassava Mash with Garlic
Transform plain cassava into a rich and flavorful side dish with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cassavas, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place cassava cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with minced garlic.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. In a large saucepan, combine roasted cassava, heavy cream or whole milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, stir in grated cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting) + 10-15 minutes (mashing)
Cassava and Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas are a staple in many Latin American cuisines, and adding cassava to the mix gives it a delightful twist. This recipe combines crispy empanada pastry with flavorful chicken and cassava filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 2 medium cassava roots, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, chicken, and cassava until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add cumin and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roll out the empanada dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Fold the dough in half over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
7. Brush with vegetable oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or fry until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Air-Fried Cassava Bites with Lime Dip
Discover the perfect snack or appetizer with these addictive air-fried cassava bites, served with a refreshing lime dip. The combination of crispy and fluffy cassava, combined with the tangy zip of lime, will have you hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
For the Cassava Bites:
– 2 large cassava tubers, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Lime Dip:
– 1 ripe lime, juiced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cassava, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Add vegetable oil and mix until the cassava is well coated.
4. Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Meanwhile, combine lime juice, yogurt, and honey in a bowl.
6. Serve warm cassava bites with chilled lime dip.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (air fryer), 30 minutes (oven)
Cassava and Shrimp Coconut Curry
This Caribbean-inspired curry brings together the creamy richness of coconut milk, the sweetness of cassava, and the savory flavor of shrimp. A flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium cassava tubers, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cassava and shrimp; cook until shrimp are pink and cassava is tender, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and salt to taste.
5. Pour in coconut milk; simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Glazed Honey Cassava Sticks
Elevate your snack game with these sweet and savory glazed honey cassava sticks! This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of cassava with a hint of honey and a crispy texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cassava root, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cassava sticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cassava sticks in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cassava is tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spiced Cassava and Plantain Medley
This flavorful medley combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the earthy goodness of cassava, all wrapped up in a warm spice blend. Perfect as a side dish or main course, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 medium-sized cassava root, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the diced cassava with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Spread the cassava mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Slice the plantains into 1-inch rounds and add to the baking sheet with the cassava.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the plantains are caramelized and the cassava is tender.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cassava Puff Pastry Pie with Spinach
Elevate your pie game with this unique and flavorful Cassava Puff Pastry Pie, packed with nutritious spinach and a hint of Caribbean flair. This recipe is perfect for adventurous home cooks looking to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cassava flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cassava flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
3. Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Place chopped spinach in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around it.
7. Fold the dough over the spinach, forming a pie crust shape.
8. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cassava Dumplings in Tomato Sauce
Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean with this simple recipe that combines the comfort of cassava dumplings with the richness of tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked cassava (yuca or manioc)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked cassava, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
3. Add grated cheese (if using) and mix until just combined.
4. Divide mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook dumplings for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.
6. Transfer cooked dumplings to a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and dumplings are heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Cassava and Cheese Bread
Discover the rich flavor of cassava combined with melted cheese in this savory bread recipe. Perfect as a side dish or used as a base for sandwiches, this bread is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cassava flour
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cassava flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add grated cheeses, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cassava Leaf Stew with Smoked Fish
This hearty stew from West Africa combines the earthy flavor of cassava leaves with the rich, smoky taste of fish. A perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked fish (such as tilapia or catfish), flaked
– 2 cups cassava leaves, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the cassava leaves, smoked fish, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the cassava leaves are tender.
5. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Celebrate the versatility of cassava with these 18 mouth-watering recipes for every occasion. From snacks and appetizers to main courses and desserts, this collection has something for everyone. Roast or grill cassava with garlic butter, serve crispy fries with spicy aioli, or braise it in coconut milk. Make sweet and spicy chips, a cheesy casserole, or hearty stews with black beans and chicken. Explore international flavors with shrimp curry, plantain medley, and coconut-based dishes. These recipes will inspire you to get creative with cassava and elevate your culinary game.