Vigoron Recipes

Steps:

• Make the vigorón: To prepare the yucca, use a sharp knife to cut off the root ends, cut in half crosswise, then carefully peel off the tough brown skin and inner pink layer.
• Cut the peeled piece into quarters lengthwise. You can also buy frozen yucca that is already peeled.
• Add the cold water to a large pot. Place the yucca in the pot and add 1 teaspoon of salt and the lime juice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and maintain a gentle boil for 25 minutes, or until the yucca is tender but not falling apart.
• Remove the yucca from the pot and set aside until cool enough to touch. Remove the woody vein from the middle of the yucca pieces and set aside for serving.
• Bring another large pot of water to boil. Blanch the cabbage for 50-60 seconds, then remove from the pot and pat dry. Do not overcook.
• In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, remaining teaspoon of salt, and distilled vinegar. Add the blanched cabbage and toss to combine. Set aside for serving.
• Make the tajadas: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet until it reaches 325˚F (170˚C).
• In small batches, carefully fry the sliced plantains for 45 seconds, flipping halfway, until they are lightly golden and a bright yellow in color. Drain over a wire rack or paper towels and season with salt.
• To assemble, place cooked yucca on a cabbage leaf, followed by the tomato, onion, and cabbage salad. Top with pork rinds and serve the tajadas alongside.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Chicharrons is the product of pork fat being cooked on very low heat in a pot either on the stove or in the oven for something like three hours and releasing its oil or lard very slowly, leaving only the crunchy brown structure of the fat (the rendered fat, or lard, can be reserved to use as shortening in other recipes). Chicharrons may be purchased at local markets or carnicerias.
• Place the cooked chicharrones on a paper towel to cool and to continue to drain.
• When cool, chop into small pieces.
• Place cassava into a large pot and cover with water to a depth of 1".
• Heat to a boil and reduce to a simmer until the cassava is nearly tender.
• Add salt, oregano, and the garlic bulb.
• Continue to simmer until cassava is completely tender.
• Drain the water and let the vegetables cool; discard garlic.
• Chop the cilantro and the onions into thin pieces (or pulse in the food processor). Place the tomatoes in a large bowl; add the pepper, chopped onions, cilantro, lime juice and sugar.
• Mix well and add salt, pepper, and cumin to taste.
• To serve, place about 1/2 cup of chopped cabbage in the banana leaf (or dish) and top with two or three pieces of cassava, 1/4 cup of the salsa, and garnish with the chopped chicharrones.