Cuba • Caribbean • easy • 45 mins
Cuba Yuca con Mojo
Description
Yuca con Mojo is a traditional Cuban dish featuring boiled cassava (yuca) served with a garlicky citrus sauce known as mojo. This dish is a staple in Cuban cuisine, often enjoyed for its comforting flavors and is a popular accompaniment to meats and seafood.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds yuca (cassava)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour orange juice (or a mix of orange and lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the yuca and cutting it into 2-3 inch pieces. Remove the fibrous core from each piece.
- Place the yuca in a large pot and cover it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the yuca is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While the yuca is cooking, prepare the mojo sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the oil and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sour orange juice, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
- Once the yuca is cooked, drain it and place it on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the mojo sauce over the yuca and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250 per serving
Servings: 4
Dietary: dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan
Health Benefits
Yuca con Mojo is rich in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy, while yuca (cassava) is also high in fiber, which aids in digestion. The dish features garlic, known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, and olive oil, which contains healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health. Additionally, the use of sour orange juice adds vitamin C, enhancing immune function and skin health. As a vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free dish, it is suitable for a variety of dietary needs, making it a versatile option in a balanced diet.
Cultural Significance
Yuca con Mojo is a beloved dish in Cuban households and is often associated with family gatherings and celebrations. The use of yuca, a staple root vegetable in the Caribbean, reflects the agricultural heritage of the region and the influence of African cuisine on Cuban cooking.
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