Caracas-Style Yuca and Corn Fritters with Citrus Panela Chicken, Avocado Cream, and Cabbage Slaw

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Place the chicken breast in a pot with 750 ml (3 cups) water, half of the onion, half of the garlic, and 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium-low heat for 18 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Remove, let it cool slightly, and shred it. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the broth.

2. 2

   2. In a large skillet, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the remaining onion, remaining garlic, and sweet ají peppers for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the grated panela, orange juice, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, cumin, black pepper, and 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Cook for 2 minutes, add the shredded chicken and 120 ml (1/2 cup) reserved broth, and cook 6 to 8 minutes more until glossy and juicy. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the chopped cilantro and keep warm.

3. 3

   3. Cook the yuca in a pot with enough water and 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt for 18 to 22 minutes, until very tender. Drain well, remove the fibrous core if present, and mash into a thick purée.

4. 4

   4. Mix the yuca purée with the sweet corn kernels, precooked cornmeal, egg, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Shape into 8 compact fritters.

5. 5

   5. Heat 45 ml (3 tbsp) vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brown the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until crisp outside and firm inside. If you prefer to finish them in the oven, transfer them to a tray and bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 8 minutes.

6. 6

   6. For the avocado cream, blend or mash the avocado with the plain yogurt, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and 1 tablespoon water if needed to loosen it.

7. 7

   7. For the slaw, combine the green cabbage, carrot, honey, remaining lime juice, 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Massage lightly with your hands for 30 seconds to soften it slightly.

8. 8

   8. Serve 2 fritters per plate. Spoon the citrus panela chicken over or alongside, add dollops of avocado cream, and finish with the fresh cabbage slaw.