Mogo fries, often referred to as cassava fries, these are a tasty variation on classic potato fries. They have their origins in Asian and African cuisines and are prepared using cassava, a tasty and adaptable starchy root vegetable. This recipe will show you how to make golden, crispy mogo chips that are great as a side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Fresh cassava (yuca)
Olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (optional)
Garlic powder (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Mogo Fries Recipe
Preparing the Cassava
Preparing the cassava is the first stage in producing mogo fries. Peel the cassava root’s rough outer skin first. To guarantee that you have soft meat for frying, it’s critical to remove all of the brown skin and any woody portions.
Cut the cassava into long strips that resemble classic French fries after it has been peeled. To guarantee even cooking, aim for a consistent thickness. To get rid of extra starch, rinse the cassava strips with cold water after cutting. This process contributes to crispier fries.
Boiling the cassava
Before frying, boil the cassava strips in salted water to soften them. Pour water into a big pot and season with a liberal spoonful of salt. Carefully add the cassava strips to the boiling water. Boil until they are fork-tender but not crumbling, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Drain the cassava strips after boiling and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Excess moisture might evaporate during this chilling time, which is essential for getting the right crispy quality during frying.
Seasoning Your Mogo Fries
Make your seasoning mixture while your cassava strips are cooling. Put the paprika, salt, black pepper, and, if using, garlic powder in a small bowl. Use your imagination when choosing your spices; chili powder or cumin can provide a fun burst!
When you are ready to season, toss the cooled cassava strips in vegetable or olive oil until they are coated all over. After that, toss the cassava one more after adding your seasoning mix, until everything is evenly seasoned.
Frying Mogo Fries.
The exciting part is about to begin: frying! Depending on your tastes, you can either bake or deep fry your mogo fries.
The Deep-Frying Process
If deep-frying is your preference, heat oil in a big pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, carefully lower a few cassava strips into the heated oil once it has reached about 350°F (175°C). Soggy fries can result from overflowing the pot, which lowers the oil temperature.
The mogo strips should be fried for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Drain excess oil by placing them on paper towels after removing them from the oil with a slotted spoon. Continue doing this until all of the cassava strips have been fried.
Baking
Baking is a great substitute if you want something healthier. Set the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Spread the seasoned cassava strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. Baking produces beautifully crispy mogo fries without using too much oil, but it may take longer than frying.
See also: Sushi Cake
Flavor Variations
The versatility of mogo fries is one of their best features. By adding different tastes and seasonings that suit your taste, you can simply personalize them.
Hot Mogo Fries
Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your seasoning mix if you’re a hot person. For an added heat, you may also add some freshly chopped, coarsely chopped chilies before frying.
Mogo Fries With Herbs
Try include dried herbs like thyme or oregano in your seasoning mix if you like stronger flavors. Toss the cassava strips with a mixture of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, and olive oil.
Mogo Fries with Cheesiness
When your fried mogo fries are still hot from the oil, top them with grated Parmesan cheese if you’re a cheese lover. The cheese will melt a little and stick to each fry beautifully as a result.
Delightful Mogo Fries
Try making sweet mogo fries by tossing them with cinnamon sugar after cooking them for a novel take on flavor characteristics. This sweet version is a great choice for dessert!
The Serving Suggestions
It’s time to serve your mogo fries when they’re cooked! These tasty appetizers go well with a variety of sauces and dips. Think of serving them with:
Hot mayonnaise
Aioli with garlic
Ketchup
Chili sauce with sweetness
Chutney with cilantro
For an added kick, use Sriracha sauce.
For presentation and taste, you can also scatter fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top.
How to Pair It
Mogo fries aren’t limited to being eaten by themselves; they may be combined with a variety of foods to create a fun meal:
As Part of a Platter For a delicious fusion feast, serve mogo fries as part of a bigger appetizer platter with additional appetizers like chicken wings, spring rolls, or samosas.
Alongside Grilled Meats
For a genuine touch that is reminiscent of street cuisine common in many cultures, mogo fries are a great accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken skewers or spice-marinated lamb chops.
In tacos
Use mogo fries as a filler instead of more conventional ingredients for a creative take on tacos! For added freshness, arrange them in layers with chopped tomatoes, avocado slices, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle with lime juice.
Storing Leftovers in the Kitchen
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days in an airtight container, though this is doubtful because they are so delicious. In order to properly reheat them without sacrificing their crispiness:
Baking: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake them for approximately ten minutes, or until well heated.
Air Frying: This technique is fantastic if you have an air fryer! Simply bake them for around five minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are crispy once more.
In conclusion
Because of their cassava base, mogo fries provide a distinctive flavor and texture, making them an intriguing substitute for classic French fries. This recipe will give you deliciously crispy snacks that everyone will like, whether you decide to bake them or fry them.
