Honduran Beef in Cashew Pepper Sauce with Golden Yuca Cakes

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the cashews in a bowl with 240 ml (1 cup) hot water and let them soak for 15 minutes so the sauce becomes creamier.

2. 2

   Add the yuca to a pot with 510 ml (2 cups plus 2 tbsp) water and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat until very tender, 18 to 22 minutes. Drain, remove any tough inner fiber, and mash while still hot.

3. 3

   Mix the mashed yuca with the egg, grated dry cheese, corn flour, 1 teaspoon achiote, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Shape into 8 compact cakes.

4. 4

   Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the yuca cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and deeply golden. Keep warm.

5. 5

   Season the beef strips with cumin, half of the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon achiote. Let rest for 10 minutes.

6. 6

   For the sauce, blend the soaked cashews with their soaking water, the beef broth, half of the onion, half of the bell pepper, the remaining garlic, and 2 tablespoons cilantro until smooth.

7. 7

   In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until browned without overcooking. Remove and set aside.

8. 8

   Reduce to medium heat and add the butter to the skillet. Add the remaining onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.

9. 9

   Pour the blended sauce into the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until it thickens slightly. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add 2 to 3 additional tablespoons of water. Adjust with the remaining salt and pepper.

10. 10

    Return the beef to the skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of lime juice and the rest of the cilantro. Cook 2 minutes more, just until the meat is heated through and coated in the sauce.

11. 11

    Serve the beef in cashew sauce with the golden yuca cakes. If you want to keep the cakes warm longer, place them in a preheated oven at 200°F / 95°C for 5 minutes before serving.