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List of cassava dishes facts for kids

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Cassava
Raw cassava

Cassava is a special plant that grows as a woody bush, mostly in warm, tropical places around the world. It's originally from South America, but people now grow it in many countries. The part we eat is its root, which is full of energy! People use cassava to make all sorts of yummy dishes, from sweet desserts to savory snacks and even main meals. It's a very important food for many communities.

Delicious Cassava Dishes

Cassava is super versatile! You can boil it, fry it, bake it, or even turn it into flour or starch. Here are some popular dishes made from this amazing root.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

Many countries use cassava to make delicious sweet foods.

Cassava Cake

Cassava cake (Philippines) 2
A slice of cassava cake from the Philippines

Imagine a yummy cake that's soft and a bit chewy! That's Cassava cake, a popular dessert from the Philippines. It's made from grated cassava, often with creamy custard and milk. People usually enjoy it as a snack in the afternoon or during special parties and celebrations. It became popular hundreds of years ago when cassava was brought to the Philippines from Latin America.

Bánh Khoai Mì

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Bánh khoai mì, a Vietnamese cassava snack

This is a tasty Vietnamese snack or dessert. Bánh khoai mì is made with grated cassava, often baked or steamed until it's soft and sweet. It's a simple but very satisfying treat.

Putong Kamotengkahoy

This small, cupcake-like treat is also from the Philippines. Putong kamotengkahoy is made from cassava, grated coconut, and sugar. It's similar to cassava cake but is steamed instead of baked, giving it a wonderfully soft texture.

Savory Snacks and Meals

Cassava isn't just for sweets; it makes fantastic savory dishes too!

Coxinha

Coxinha
Coxinha, a popular Brazilian snack

Have you ever seen a snack shaped like a drumstick? That's Coxinha! This popular Brazilian snack is made from a dough that often uses cassava flour. It's usually filled with shredded chicken or minced beef, then fried until golden and crispy. It's a favorite snack in Brazil and other South American countries.

Deep-Fried Cassava

Friedmanioc
Deep-fried cassava sticks

If you love French fries, you might enjoy deep-fried cassava! In countries like Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia, fried cassava is a common substitute for potato fries. It's often served in restaurants and bars, especially with a refreshing drink. It has a slightly different texture and taste than potato fries, but it's just as delicious.

Sopa de Mandioca

Sopa mandioca
A bowl of Sopa de Mandioca

This is a comforting and flavorful soup made from cassava. Sopa de Mandioca is enjoyed by many people, especially in South America. There are many ways to make it, with some recipes adding minced meat, dried meat, or even ribs to make it even heartier. It's a warm and filling meal.

Kabkab

Kabkab (Cassava cracker), Philippines 04
Kabkab, a Filipino cassava cracker

Also known as "cassava cracker," Kabkab is a traditional Filipino snack. It's a thin, disc-shaped wafer made from ground cassava. It's crispy and light, perfect for munching on its own or with a dip. It's especially popular in the southern parts of the Philippines.

Other Interesting Cassava Uses

Tapioca

Tapioca pudding-3
Tapioca pudding

You might know Tapioca from puddings or bubble tea! Tapioca is actually a starch that comes from the cassava plant. It's used to thicken foods and make those chewy little pearls you find in drinks. The cassava plant itself is called "mandioca" in Brazil, while its starch is called "tapioca." It's now used all over the world!

Farofa

Farofa brazil
Farofa served with a meal

Farofa is a unique toasted cassava flour mixture, very popular in Brazil. It's made by toasting raw cassava flour with butter, salt, and often bacon until it turns golden brown. People add all sorts of other ingredients to it, like eggs, vegetables, or spices. It's a must-have side dish for many Brazilian meals, especially a hearty stew called feijoada.

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List of cassava dishes Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.