Aug 30 2026

Side Order Recipe

Time1h 20m
Serves4

Yuka Frita, French Fries, Basmati Rice, Potato Salad, Peruvian Salad, Cesar Salad

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Ingredients

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Yuca Frita (Fried Cassava)

Method

Yuca Frita (Fried Cassava)

  1. 1

    Prepare and boil yuca

    Place peeled, cut yuca sticks into a pot and add 6 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender but not falling apart, about 15–20 minutes. Test with a fork; it should pierce easily. Drain well and let sit in a colander to remove excess steam for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Fry

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of yuca sizzles immediately. Pat yuca dry with paper towels. Fry in batches until golden and crisp on the outside, about 4–6 minutes per batch. Remove to a paper-towel-lined tray and season with 1 tsp salt. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

French Fries

  1. 3

    Soak and dry

    Place cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch. Drain and rinse, then dry thoroughly with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

  2. 4

    Fry

    Heat oil to 325°F (160°C). Fry potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes until soft and pale (do not brown). Remove and drain. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry again in batches until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and immediately season with 1 tsp salt. Serve hot.

Basmati Rice

  1. 5

    Rinse and combine

    Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until the rinse runs clear. Drain. In a small saucepan combine the rinsed rice, 1.25 cups water, 1 tbs butter (or oil), and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 6

    Simmer

    Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Potato Salad (Peruvian-style simple)

  1. 7

    Cook potatoes

    Place halved waxy potatoes in a pot, cover with cold salted water, bring to a boil and simmer until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes depending on size. Drain and let cool slightly.

  2. 8

    Mix salad

    While warm, combine potatoes with chopped hard-boiled eggs, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbs lime juice, 2 tbs chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Gently fold to coat, taste and adjust seasoning. Chill briefly or serve at room temperature.

Peruvian Salad (Ensalada Criolla)

  1. 9

    Prepare ingredients

    Place thinly sliced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. If using aji amarillo or jalapeño, add thin slices to the bowl (remove seeds for milder flavor).

  2. 10

    Dress and rest

    Toss tomatoes and onion with 2 tbs fresh lime juice, 2 tbs chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to marry flavors, then serve fresh alongside main dishes.

Caesar Salad (side)

  1. 11

    Assemble

    In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups chopped romaine with 3 tbs Caesar dressing. Toss to coat evenly.

  2. 12

    Finish

    Add 1/2 cup croutons and 2 tbs grated parmesan, toss gently. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve immediately so croutons remain crisp.

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