Carimañolas: This Delicious Panamanian Dish Will Make Your Mouth Water!

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Lean turkey reduces fat while canned tuna offers a budget-friendly protein.

yuca

🥗Healthier: sweet potato

💰Cheaper: potato

Sweet potato is nutrient-rich while potato is more accessible.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice provides similar acidity, while vinegar is often cheaper.

egg

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: aquafaba

Flaxseed meal serves as a binding agent, while aquafaba is a cost-effective egg substitute.

Peel the fresh yuca with a vegetable peeler and cut into 3 inch chunks. Frozen yuca will typically be sold peeled and cut into 3 inch pieces.

In a large pot boil enough water to cover the yuca. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. When the yuca is fork tender, transfer to a large bowl.

Split open the yuca pieces in half and remove the fibrous threads that run down the middle. Discard the threads.

Begin mashing the yuca with a potato masher.

Add salt, and butter, and about 1/2 cup of the reserved water.

Mix in the eggs.

Next add the flour and continue mixing until you have a smooth dough. Leave the dough in the bowl and cover with a dishtowel until ready to use.

In a small bowl mix all the spices: Kosher salt, paprika, cumin, chili powder, adobo and allspice.

In a skillet over medium heat sauté the onion and red bell pepper, and garlic until translucent. Add the meat, spices and brown. Stir in the tomato, tomato paste, and recaito. Mix well.

Once all the meat is fully browned and the tomatoes are very soft, remove from the heat and allow to cool.

When the dough is cool enough to handle, pinch off a piece and roll into a 2″ ball.

Flatten on the palm of your hand and place a small amount of filling in the middle. Close up and form in the shape of a torpedo.

Set on a plastic cutting board ready to use. Tip: They will tend to stick to a wooden cutting board so use plastic or a ceramic pan.

Fry in 350°F oil until golden brown.

Air fryer steps: Brush each one with canola oil on all sides and place in the basket of the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F for 25 minutes and flip them halfway through the cooking time. Air fry until golden brown on all sides.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens