Yuca Doughnuts (Nicaraguan Bueneulos de Yuca)

Nicaraguan yuca donuts called Bueneulos de yuca are scrumptious donuts made of cassava/yuca. These treats are fried and then served in a sweet syrup sauce flavoured with lemon and cinnamon. The yuca or cassava root is grated and then mixed with some grated cheese, an egg holds together the mixture along with a touch of baking powder before they are deep fried to a golden brown. The result is a cheesy sweet delicious bite of goodness, YUM.

Syrup:
1½ cups water
2½ cups sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
1 lemon, freshly squeezed

Dough:
2 cups yuca/cassava, grated
1 cup white Central American semi-hard cheese, grated
1 egg
½ tsp. baking powder

For Frying:
cooking oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

Place the syrup ingredients with the exception of the lemon juice in a large pot. Allow to cook to syrup stage at around 220°F or until the syrup coats your spoon. Add lemon juice, mix and set aside.

Mix the dough ingredients in a large bowl. Allow to rest for about 10 minutes. Using a spoon scoop the dough into your hands and form little balls.

Heat your oil to 350°F.

Fry them until golden brown, drain on paper towels.

Drench the donuts in the warm syrup and serve.

Makes 12 servings.