Discover the delightful world of Colombian-inspired cuisine with our **Sugar-Free Arepa de Masa de Yuca**—a gluten-free, sugar-free twist on a traditional favorite! Made with freshly cooked yuca (cassava) and Monterey Jack cheese, these arepas boast a perfectly balanced combination of creamy, savory goodness and crispy golden edges. Enhanced with a touch of cilantro for a fresh herbal kick and black pepper for subtle warmth, this recipe offers a wholesome alternative to conventional arepas. With just 20 minutes of prep and simple ingredients like olive oil and salt, you'll have a batch of soft yet satisfying arepas ready to enjoy. Serve them warm as a standalone snack or alongside your favorite accompaniments for a comforting, nutrient-packed treat. Perfect for those seeking sugar-free, gluten-free, and deliciously authentic dishes.
Peel the yuca and cut it into large chunks of about 3-4 inches. Ensure you remove any fibrous core from the center.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the yuca pieces and cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
Once cooked, drain the yuca and let it cool for a few minutes. Mash it thoroughly to create a smooth, dough-like consistency.
Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, grated Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Gradually add water to the mixture and knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and manageable. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more yuca or if too dry, add a bit more water.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
Heat olive oil in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the yuca arepas in the skillet, ensuring they don't touch each other.
Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Remove from heat and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the arepas warm, on their own or with your favorite toppings or sides.
Calories |
648 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.2 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.8 g | 129% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 3008 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.8 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 25.1 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 727 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 89 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.