My First Yucca Root

The other day at Reading Terminal Market I picked up a few things I had never tried before. One of those things was the yucca root. I didn’t know what I was going to make with it and it doesn’t look like something too appetizing but I wanted to try something new. 

 

This little guy has a lot of health benefits – it is packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese. It has also been known to help with inflammation,  aid digestion, prevent harmful bacteria in the intestines from absorbing into the blood, reduce muscle spasms, and improve blood circulation. One website even said he helps promote shiny, healthy hair! Woohoo!

 

I took a twitter vote as to what to make with my yucca and the results were unanimous – Yucca Fries!

In order to make the fries, I had to peel down the yucca root. 

The outside layer reminds me of tree bark!

A naked yucca. The little guy looks cold, doesn’t it?

 

Then it was time so slice and dice!

 

I chopped it up into fry looking slices. 

Then it was onto a baking sheet they went.

 

But not before I drizzled them with a little spicy peanut goodness.

I baked them in the oven at 400* for about 40 minutes, or until they were crispy to my satisfaction.

And….VOILA! We have yucca fries!

These things were amazing. They were crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The spicy peanut twist gave them a little kick and made them even more awesome! 

 

These might be my new favorite fry! My sweet potato fries have been my favorite for some time, now, but there is a few fry in town!

Have you ever had yucca fries?

 

Does anyone else have any other yucca recipes for me next time I buy it? I want to make more fun things with the yucca root!