Carimañolas de Carne y de Queso Recipe

Carimañola is a traditional dish from the Caribbean region of Colombia. It is a yuca fritter stuffed with meat, or cheese for a great vegetarian version. This dish is also popular in Panamá. I usually don’t like to eat fried food, but once in a while I crave my Colombian fritters. Since I have to

📝 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pound frozen or fresh yuca
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (diced)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 scallion (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 pound ground beef

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Yuca Dough: ---
2. 2In a large pot place the yuca, salt and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes or until fork tender.
3. 3Drain the yuca and remove any fiber from the center. Using a potato masher, mash the yuca, cover and set aside.
4. 4--- To prepare the Meat Filling: ---
5. 5In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, red bell pepper and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, scallions, cumin, salt, black pepper and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often.
6. 6Add the ground beef and cook until the meat is cooked trough, about 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes more.
7. 7Remove from the heat, adjust the seasoning and let it cool.
8. 8--- To make the Carimañolas: ---
9. 9Divide the yuca mixture into 10 balls. Make a hole through the center of each ball with your finger. Place about 1 tablespoon of meat or cheese filling and gently close the ball, giving an oval shape.
10. 10In a large pot heat the vegetable oil and heat to 350° F. Add the carimañolas to hot oil and cook about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, turning them often.
11. 11Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with ají.