Yuca con Mojo, or yuca with garlic sauce, stands as a testament to the simplicity and richness of Cuban cuisine. This dish, featuring boiled yuca roots lavishly dressed in a tangy garlic-citrus sauce, embodies the essence of comfort food with its hearty texture and bold flavors.
Peel and Cut: Start by peeling the yuca, removing the outer bark-like skin to reveal the starchy white interior. Cut into 2-inch sections, then halve each section if they are thick. (If using frozen Yuca skip to step 2 )
Boil the Yuca: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil with two tablespoons of salt. Add the yuca and garlic cloves, reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20-30 minutes or until the yuca is fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Making the Garlic Mojo Sauce:
Sauté the Garlic: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the Liquids: Stir in the vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Pour the hot garlic sauce over the boiled yuca, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.