Fried Cassava Balls with Cheese (Dominican Bolitos de Yuca)

These Dominican Republic Bolitos de Yuca would make a lovely appetizer for any occasion. They are fried cassava balls filled with cheese. Served warm they are light and scrumptious especially right out of the fryer while the cheese is nice and gooey, Yum!

1 lb Cassava (yuca)
2 Tbsp. butter
½ cup milk
1 egg
½ lb cheddar cheese, cubed
1 tsp. parsley, finely chopped
oil for deep frying
¼ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
sea salt

Peel and boil the cassava in a pot of water lightly salted, until tender. Drain and purée.

Add the butter, parsley, milk and mix together.

Season with salt and let cool down to room temperature.

Put two spoonfuls of the mixture in the palm of your hand. Flatten it to place the cheese cube in the center and roll around it to make a ball.

Repeat until all the batter is used.

Whisk the egg, and put the flour on a plate. Dip the balls into the egg then into the flour, shake off excess flour.

Chill for two hours in the refrigerator uncovered.

Heat up the oil to medium high and fry until golden brown.

Drain excess oil on paper towel and serve immediately.

Makes 12 balls.