10/31/2026
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Crispy Smashed Yuca (Cassava) Medallions in Peruvian Ají Amarillo & Walnut Cheese Sauce (Huancaína) with Seared Asparagus
Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Crispy Smashed Yuca Medallions:
500g fresh or frozen peeled yuca (cassava) root, cut into 5 cm cylinders
3 tbsp high-heat neutral oil (avocado or sunflower oil)
1 tsp flaky sea salt & 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Golden Peruvian Ají Amarillo Cream (Huancaína):
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped + 3 cloves garlic, peeled
3 tbsp ají amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow chili paste; or 1 roasted yellow bell pepper + 1/2 habanero/serrano chili + 1/2 tsp turmeric)
200g firm silken tofu, drained (replaces traditional queso fresco)
1/3 cup raw walnut halves, lightly toasted (or 4 saltine/soda crackers)
1/3 cup unsweetened soy or oat milk + 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lime & sea salt to taste
For the Charred Asparagus & Garnishes:
1 bunch (250g) fresh green asparagus, woody ends snapped off
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata or Peruvian Botija black olives, halved
1/2 cup pickled red onion ribbons & fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
Boil and smash the yuca: Place the yuca cylinders in a pot of generously salted cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 18–20 minutes until fork-tender and starting to split. Drain well, remove the thin woody central fibrous thread from each piece, and place them on an oiled cutting board. Use the flat bottom of a heavy drinking glass or jar to smash each piece into a 1.5 cm thick craggy medallion.
Blend the golden Huancaína sauce: While the yuca boils, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat and sauté the red onion and garlic for 4 minutes until soft and sweet. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to a blender along with the ají amarillo paste, silken tofu, toasted walnuts, plant milk, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend on high for 1 minute until velvety, thick, and luminous marigold-yellow.
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