Recipe(tried): Mashed Yuca (Cassava) with Garlic

MASHED YUCA WITH GARLIC

4 lb fresh yuca (also called cassava; preferably 2 inches in diameter) or 3 lb frozen
1 3/4 to 2 1/4 cups hot milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons salt

Trim ends from fresh yuca and peel remainder, removing all waxy brown skin and pinkish layer underneath. Cut yuca into 3-inch-thick pieces. Boil yuca in salted water to cover by 2 inches until tender and starting to fall apart, 50 minutes to 1 1/4 hours. Drain and transfer to a cutting board. Carefully halve hot yuca pieces lengthwise and remove thin woody cores. Return yuca to pot with 1 3/4 cups milk, garlic, juice, and salt. Coarsely mash yuca, adding additional milk if desired, and serve immediately. Serves 6.

Gourmet
April 2000