Meat and Cheese Stuffed Yuca (Carimañolas de Carne y de Queso)

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 blog about Colombian cuisine, which includes all these fantastic fritters, I have the perfect excuse to eat them. They are delicious with ají! Try them.

Ingredients
(10 Carimañolas)

1 ½ pound frozen or fresh yuca
Salt
Vegetable oil for frying

Cheese Filling

1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced

Meat Filling

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup chopped onion
1 scallion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ pound ground beef

Directions

1. In 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.

2. Drain the yuca and remove any fiber from the center. Using a potato masher, mash the yuca, cover and set aside.

3. To prepare the meat filling: In 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.

4. Add the ground beef and cook until the meat is cooked trough, about 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes more.

5. Remove from the heat, adjust the seasoning and let it cool.

6. To make the carimañolas: Divide 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.

7. In 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.

8. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with ají.

I received this award from Sophie of “Sophies Foodiefiles”. Thank you so much Sophie for the recognition, I really appreciate it.

Related posts:

1. Cheese Stuffed Corn Cakes (Arepas Rellenas de Queso)
2. Stuffed Beef (Carne o Posta Rellena)
3. Tortas de Carne Colombianas (Colombian-Style Meat Fritters)
4. SHREDDED MEAT (CARNE DESMECHADA)

Tagged as: Award, Beef, Cheese, Traditional Colombian