Bolitas de Yuca en Miel: Colombian Sweet Cassava & Cheese Balls
Bolitas de Yuca en Miel are a phenomenally rich and addictive sweet treat or snack made primarily from a savory base of cassava and cheese. Highly popular in the Andean regions of Colombia, particularly in departments like Caldas, this dessert perfectly balances a crispy, savory, cheesy interior with a luscious, sweet honey coating.
The secret to this rapid 30-minute recipe is the contrast of flavors and temperatures. By boiling and mashing the yuca to form a dough with salty cheese, frying them until perfectly golden, and finally bathing them in a gently warmed, vanilla-infused honey, you create an unforgettable explosion of textures in every single bite!
Bolitas de Yuca en Miel (Sweet Cassava Balls)
Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside! Traditional Andean cassava balls bathed in warm vanilla honey.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Yuca / Cassava Boiled and mashed
- 1 cup Cheese Grated, ideally a salty or semi-hard white cheese
- 3 Eggs Beaten
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 cup Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil For frying
Instructions
- Prep the Yuca: The very first step is to wash, peel, and boil the yuca in water until it is completely soft and tender.
- Mash and Mix: Once the yuca is soft, drain it and mash it thoroughly using a spoon or a potato masher. Add the grated cheese, the beaten eggs, the baking powder, the cornstarch, and salt to taste.
- Knead and Shape: Knead all the ingredients together very well until you achieve a smooth, unified dough. Take small portions of this resulting dough and use your hands to roll them into bite-sized balls.
- Fry to perfection: Heat plenty of cooking oil in a deep pan or pot. Fry the balls in the hot oil until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them and let them drain.
- The Honey Bath: In a separate small pot or pan, gently heat the honey together with the vanilla extract. Pour this warm, fragrant syrup generously over the fried balls until they are completely coated. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Regional Variations: In many other parts of Colombia and Latin America, these are also widely known as buñuelos de yuca. Depending on the specific region, the exact ingredients and preparation can vary slightly!
- Bone Health: Yuca is a fantastic root vegetable that contains good levels of Calcium and Vitamin K, which actively help maintain healthy bones and prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
- Naturally Low-Fat Base: In its raw, natural state, yuca actually boasts a very low fat content, making it an excellent, energy-dense carbohydrate source.
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