Heart-Healthy Arepa de Yuca

Elevate your breakfast or snack game with these *Heart-Healthy Arepas de Yuca*, a delightful twist on the traditional Latin American staple. Made with freshly grated cassava root and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, and extra virgin olive oil, this recipe offers a wholesome, gluten-free alternative to standard arepas. The addition of fresh oregano imparts a fragrant herbaceous note, while the crispy, golden exterior is the perfect balance to the creamy, zesty avocado slices infused with lemon juice. Ready in under an hour, these yuca arepas are easy to prepare and brimming with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based goodness. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, they’re a heart-smart choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups yuca (cassava) root, peeled and grated
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated yuca and water. Stir well to hydrate the yuca.

Step 3

Add the olive oil, chopped oregano, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, sea salt, and black pepper to the yuca mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 4

Form the yuca mixture into 4 equal-sized balls, and then flatten each ball into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 5

Lightly coat the preheated skillet with a small amount of olive oil. Place the yuca patties onto the skillet.

Step 6

Cook the arepas for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them carefully halfway through for even cooking.

Step 7

While the arepas are cooking, in a small bowl, toss the sliced avocado with lemon juice. This will prevent browning and add a fresh flavor.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the arepas from the pan and let them cool slightly on a cooling rack.

Step 9

Serve these heart-healthy arepas topped with slices of lemon-avocado for a creamy contrast to the crispy exterior.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	343.8 grams (343.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	613

Total Fat 59.30g	76%
Saturated Fat 8.20g	41%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 991mg	43%
Total Carbohydrate 23.60g	9%
Dietary Fiber 18.20g	65%
Total Sugars 1.10g
Protein 7.50g	15%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 153mg	12%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 903mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.1%

Protein: 4.6%

Carbs: 14.3%