Arañitas de Yuca – Fried Yuca spiders

Arañitas (ñ in Spanish is pronounced like the “nio” in onion in English.) They can also be called arepitas.

These were a regular staple in our house growing up. Mainly, because we all loved them. No matter how many were cooked, there were never enough. They have anise seeds in them. If you don’t like licorice these aren’t for you. Although, I have made them for dinner parties and people couldn’t tell what that taste was. It isn’t very strong.

If the yuca is grated with the larger grater, they will produce arañitas. If they are grated with the smaller grater, they will produce arepitas. Arañitas (spiders) get the name because they look like little spiders.

• 1/2 lb yuca, peeled and grated in the larger side of the grater for arañitas, or the smaller for arepitas.
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp anise seeds
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying. I like peanut oil but you can use the ones you like. Never use vegetable oil though. No one should use that. It is awful stuff.