Peruvian Home Fries Recipes

HOW TO MAKE YUCA FRIES

Steps:

• Cut off both ends of the yuca root. Then cut them into 3 to 4-inch rounds, depending on the length of the yuca.
• Make a shallow cut lengthwise into the skin of the yuca. Work your thumbs under one side of the cut. Once you're underneath the peel, you can work your thumbs down the length of the root, peeling the skin off.
• Stovetop: Bring to boil a pot with plenty of water and salt. Add the rounds to the boiling water. Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let it cool.
• Instant Pot (pressure cooker): Place the yuca in the Instant Pot. Add water (enough to cover the yuca) and salt. Secure lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select "Manual". Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is complete, use the quick release to depressurize. Drain and let it cool.
• Cut yuca pieces in half and remove the inner root. Then cut into fingers.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet or cast iron with oil up to ½ inch over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the yuca fries in batches, turning once, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain over paper towels.

PERUVIAN HOME FRIES

Steps:

• Place a 10" skillet or saute pan over medium heat. When hot, add 1 tbls. oil, wait about 10 seconds, then swirl to coat pan. Turn heat up to medium high and add half the cooked potatoes, spreading them into a single layer in the hot oil. Let them cook without stirring 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle in 1/8 teaspoons salt and turn potatoes over, using a metal spatula. Spread them into a single layer again. Let them cook 5-8 more minutes, or until golden. Scrape from the bottom to loosen potatoes and toss them around in the pan. Cook for another few minutes, then move to a plate, scraping out and saving all the tasty brown tidbits from the bottom of the pan. Repeat this procedure with the remaining potatoes, using another tbls. of the oil and anohter 1/8 teaspoons salt.
• After cooking the potatoes, scrape out the pan, saving the scrapings, and wipe it out with a damp paper towel. Return the pan to the heat and when it is hot, add remaining tbsl. of oil You may also melt in a little butter. Wait 10 seconds, then swirl the pan. add the onion and saute over medium heat 5-8 minutes, or until it becomes very soft. Add the chiles and bell peppers, along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt. Continue to cook, stirring often, for another 5-8 minutes.
• Return the potatoes to the pan and stir them into the onion mixutre, along with the garlic. Saute over medium heat for another 10-20 minutes, or until everything is done to your liking. Sprinkle in the cheese and lemon juice during the last few minutes of cooking, and if needed, adjust the salt.
• Serve hot or warm, with peanuts and minced cilantro or parsley, and with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!
• Note:.
• If prepping the potatoes in advance, store them in fresh water in a tightly covered container in the fridge. Drain and dry completely before using.