Carimañola

A plate of carimañolas
Type	Fritter
Region or state	Central America and South America
Associated cuisine	Colombia, Panama
Main ingredients	Yuca
Media: Carimañola

A carimañola, also called caribañolas, yuca fritters, or pastel de yuca, is a traditional fried food commonly found in the Caribbean coastal regions of Colombia and Panama.^[1] It is made primarily from yuca (cassava) dough,^[2] which is stuffed with ground beef, shredded chicken, or cheese, and then deep-fried until golden and crispy.^[3] Carimañolas are typically eaten as a breakfast item, snack, or appetizer.

The preparation of carimañolas begins with peeling and boiling fresh yuca until it becomes soft.^[4] Once cooked, the yuca is mashed into a dough-like consistency, with a small amount of butter, oil, or salt. The dough is then divided and shaped into small ovals or torpedo-like forms. In some variations, the filling may include sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, or cumin.

After stuffing, the dough is sealed and shaped before being deep-fried in hot oil until the outer layer becomes golden and crisp, while the interior remains soft. The final product is often served with suero or ají picante.^[5]

Carimañolas are especially well-known in the Caribbean regions of Colombia, including the departments of Atlántico, Bolivia, Cordoba, and Sucre, where they are commonly sold by street vendors and served in restaurants.

• Colombian cuisine
• Empanada
• List of stuffed dishes