Cali-Style Yuca Cheese Rolls
Cali-Style Yuca Cheese Rolls are a delightful and popular treat hailing from the bustling city of Cali, Colombia. These soft, cheesy rolls, made primarily with yuca harina (tapioca starch), result in a light and airy texture akin to a cheesy puff. The unique combination of farmer's cheese or Monterey Jack gives them a savory richness, perfect for snacking or as an accompaniment to meals. Originating from a treasured family recipe passed down through generations, these rolls are not only simple to prepare but also a delicious introduction to Colombian cuisine. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, they are sure to impress at any gathering or elevate your everyday meals. Gather your ingredients from a Latin American market, and experience a taste of Colombian culture right in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded farmer's cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
4 1/2 cups (shredded)
Tapioca starch (yuca harina or tapioca flour)
2 1/2 cups (divided)
Butter
1/2 cup (room temperature)
Eggs
2 medium (beaten)
Salt
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, tapioca starch (2 cups), room temperature butter, beaten eggs, and salt if using. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined.
2
Knead the mixture on a dry surface until it becomes thick and firm, approximately 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more tapioca starch until the desired consistency is reached.
3
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly to form a disc.
4
Cut each disc into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece between your palms to form a cylinder approximately 4 inches long.
5
Repeat the process with the remaining dough pieces.
6
At this point, the rolls can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks if you're not baking them immediately.
7
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 550°F (285°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
8
Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they have some space between them.
9
Bake for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside. For the best results, serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cali-Style Yuca Cheese Rolls?
Cali-Style Yuca Cheese Rolls are soft, cheesy rolls from Cali, Colombia, made primarily with yuca harina (tapioca starch) for a light and airy texture.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from Cali, Colombia, and is based on a treasured family recipe passed down through generations.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include shredded farmer's cheese or Monterey Jack, tapioca starch, butter, eggs, and optional salt.
What type of cheese is best for these rolls?
Shredded farmer's cheese or Monterey Jack cheese are recommended for their savory richness.
What is yuca harina?
Yuca harina is another name for tapioca starch or tapioca flour, which is essential for the roll's unique texture.
What is the texture of these cheese rolls?
They have a light and airy texture similar to a cheesy puff, with a golden brown and crisp exterior.
How do I prepare the dough?
Combine cheese, starch, butter, eggs, and salt in a bowl, then mix and knead until thick and firm.
How long should I knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a dry surface for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes thick and firm.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more tapioca starch until the desired consistency is reached.
How do I shape the rolls?
Divide the dough into discs, cut each disc into six pieces, and roll them into 4-inch cylinders.
How many pieces should each dough disc be cut into?
Each flattened dough disc should be cut into 6 equal pieces before being shaped into cylinders.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the rolls can be shaped, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks before baking.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (285 degrees Celsius) for baking.
How long do the rolls take to bake?
They bake very quickly, taking approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Do I need to line the baking sheet?
Yes, lining the baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
How should the rolls be served?
For the best results, serve the rolls warm, though they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is a simple preparation that serves as a delicious introduction to Colombian cuisine.
How much cheese is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 1/2 cups of shredded farmer's cheese or Monterey Jack cheese.
How much tapioca starch is used?
A total of 2 1/2 cups of tapioca starch is used, divided according to the instructions.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it mixes thoroughly with the other ingredients.
How many eggs are included?
The recipe calls for 2 medium eggs that have been beaten.
Is salt necessary in the dough?
Salt is optional and should be added to taste depending on the saltiness of the cheese used.
How many dough pieces are created initially?
The dough is first divided into 4 equal pieces, which are then formed into discs.
What size should the final rolls be?
Each roll should be shaped into a cylinder approximately 4 inches long.
Where can I find the specific ingredients?
Most ingredients, particularly yuca harina, can be found at a Latin American market.
What do these rolls pair well with?
They are perfect as a snack or as an accompaniment to a larger meal.
How do I know the rolls are finished baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on the outside.
Does the recipe require a mixer?
No, you can mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 5 main ingredients: cheese, tapioca starch, butter, eggs, and salt.
Can these be served at room temperature?
Yes, they are enjoyable either warm from the oven or at room temperature.