Carimañolas are a popular street food in Panama made from mashed yuca shaped into rolls and filled before being fried until crispy. While traditional versions often include meat, this version uses melted cheese, making it a fun and satisfying option with a crispy outside and soft, stretchy inside. They are commonly eaten as a snack or quick bite and are loved for their contrast in texture.
😌 Difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Preparation time: 25 min
🔥 Cooking time: 15 min
⏳ Total time: 40 min
👥 Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 500 g yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 100 g mozzarella or similar melting cheese
- oil for frying
Typical side:
- spicy tomato sauce
- or garlic sauce
Instructions
- Boil yuca in salted water until very soft.
- Drain and remove any tough fibers from the center.
- Mash the yuca until smooth while still warm.
- Let it cool slightly until easy to handle.
- Take a portion of yuca and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a piece of cheese in the center.
- Fold and shape into an oval, sealing completely.
- Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer.
- Fry until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towel.
- Serve warm so the cheese inside stays melted.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
Seal the edges tightly before frying, otherwise the cheese may leak out while cooking.