Tawa Cassava/Yuca

Dear Friends,

Cassava or yuca or manioc are native to Brazil and the tropical areas of the Americas. It’s widely grown all over Latin America and the Caribbean. It is an essential root vegetable in the Caribbean diet. Cassava is incredibly versatile; it can be boiled, baked, steamed, grilled, fried, mashed or added to stews.

I have seen these roots in grocery stores in Canada but never used before. My son ate it at his friend’s house and thoroughly enjoyed it so I thought of giving a try. I had not seen or heard of it back home in India especially in Mumbai. I am using homemade spice blend to prepare this stir fry, which gives a wonderful flavour to the dish. You just need cassava and few spices to make the most delicious, flavourful tawa cassava.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cassava root
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Oil for cooking

For Spice blend
4 tbsp coriander seeds
2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tsp black pepper
2 star anise
4-5 dry red chilies

Procedure

1. To make spice blend, dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, star anise and whole dry chilies in a pan for 2 minutes. Let the roasted spices cool down at room temperature and then grind all the spices in dry grinder in to a fine powder. You won’t need the whole thing, there will be leftover for future use. This is will your next must have spice blend which goes in anything. It will add lots of flavour to any dish.2. Wash cassava, peel of skin with sharp knife. Remove the woody part from the middle. Cut in big chunks. Cook in boiling water for 15-20 minutes or pressure cook for 3-4 whistle. Let it cool down and then cut in slightly smaller cubes.

3. Heat 3 tbsp oil in cast iron or nonstick pan. When oil is hot, add cumin seeds. Saute for few seconds and add boiled cassava. Cook it on low to medium heat until sides turn golden brown stirring occasionally. Then add 3-4 tbsp of spice blend mix. chili powder, coriander powder and salt. Mix well and cover with lid. Cook on low for few 2-3 more minutes until all flavour blends together, stirring every few seconds. Your whole house will filled with the spice flavours and you know you are ready to eat something amazing coming out of that pan! 4. It is ready to serve. Skewer on a toothpick and serve as a starter. I have no doubt that this will be the biggest hit in your next party!!!