CHILLI CASSAVA WITH SESAME SEEDS

One of the most underrated tuber is Cassava.  3rd major source of carbohydrate in the world after rice and maize is drought tolerant and a staple diet in many countries.  This recipe was an effort to show my clients that this scary looking tuber is actually really tasty and nutritious.  

INGREDIENTS

2 Cassava Roots

1 celery stalk 

1/2 yellow onion

3 garlic cloves

1/2 in ginger root

2 Tbsp Sesame oil

2 Tbsp chili paste

1 Tbsp garlic powder

2 Tbsp Ketchup

2 Tbsp Sugar

1/4C Soy sauce

1 Tbsp Sesame seeds

2 Scallions 

Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

• Peel Cassava root, cut it in wedges and boil in salted water till fully cooked.  Put is aside and let it cool.
• FOR THE SAUCE
• Fine chop Celery, onion, garlic and ginger and scallions.
• Heat the sesame oil in a pan.
• Once the oil is hot add the aromatics.  (starting with ginger, garlic, onion and celery).
• Once the aromatics are cooked add Chili paste followed by ketchup.
• Add sugar and garlic powder.
• Add Soy sauce and mix everything together.  Taste for salt.
• Keep it aside.
• ASSEMBLY
• Heat oil to 350°F.
• Deep fry the boiled and cooled Cassava Root.
• Add the fried Cassava root to the the sauce.
• Toss well and serve.
• Top it off with scallions and sesame seeds.