Panamanian Food in NYC! El Carnaval & KC Gourmet Empanadas Tour in Manhattan NYC 2022 Food Adventure

yuca

🥗Healthier: sweet potato

💰Cheaper: potatoes

Sweet potato offers a similar texture with added nutrients.

ground chicken

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar provides acidity at a lower cost.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Parsley and green onions add freshness with different flavor profiles.

Peel and chop yuca into chunks.

Boil yuca in salted water until tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Drain yuca and mash until smooth.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add ground chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Season chicken mixture with cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice; stir in chopped cilantro.

Allow filling to cool slightly.

Take a portion of mashed yuca and flatten it in your palm.

Place a spoonful of chicken filling in the center and fold yuca over to seal, forming a patty.

Repeat with remaining yuca and filling.

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.

Fry carimañolas until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve warm, optionally with a dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: