cassava

aka Yuca, Mogo, Manioc, Tapioca Plant
2016-04-10

Not to be confused with the desert yucca plant that grows in my backyard. That plant also has roots that can be cooked and eaten.

When my grocery store started selling this, I was curious to try it. In many tropical areas where wheat a.o. grains won’t grow, this is the starch staple plant.

Compared to potatoes, cassava is practically flavorless. I can see why people try to spice it up. Cheese seems to be a favorite combination. Deep-frying is also popular.

I've tried it. I cannot honestly say that I'd care to try it again.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for 2 servings:

1 lb. cassava roots
¼ cup evaporated or coconut milk
6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
S&P
nutmeg

optional:

1-2 eggs

Pic1: boiled cassava root with madeira sauce

Directions

Boil cassava as per directions on the package.
- Fill a 6-qt. pot with water and bring it to a full boil.
- Place the chunks of peeled yucca root in the boiling water
- Cook for 15 minutes, or until the root is very soft when poked with a fork.
  The root will turn from bright-white to yellowish once it has cooked.
Mash the cassava.
Stir in the milk and cheese.
Add S&P, nutmeg to taste.
If desired, stir in the eggs.
Serve like cheesy mashed potatoes.

Pic2: tapioca plant
Pic3: frozen cassava root
Pic4: cassava fries

Pic5: cassava soup
Pic6: tapioca pearls in soup

tapioca pudding

I don't think I've ever made tapioca pudding, even though I have a package of tapioca pearls in my pantry that I used one time to make tapioca soup. I very much prefer to make rice pudding instead.

I do occasionally buy the Kozy Shack tapioca pudding. I like it better than their rice pudding.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for 3 1-cup servings:

1 egg
2 3/4 cups whole milk
If using skim milk, add 2 tbsp. heavy cream
1/3 cup sugar
3 tbsp. small tapioca pearls
vanilla extract or vanilla sugar

Pic1: tapioca package

Directions

Whisk egg and milk in a 2-qt. saucepan until fully blended.
Stir in sugar and tapioca. Rest 5 minutes.
Bring to a roiling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat. Add vanilla.
Cool 20 minutes.
Stir and serve in individual bowls warm or chilled.
Refrigerate leftovers.

See also: Deming, NM Gardens, Animals and more and avemariasongs.org

See also: Deming, NM Gardens, Animals and more
and avemariasongs.org