Cassava and Spinach Fritters with Spicy Tomato Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried cassava fritters blended with spinach, served with a vibrant and spicy tomato relish for an irresistible African-inspired snack or appetizer. This african-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes turns peeled and grated cassava root, finely chopped fresh spinach, thinly sliced green onions into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups peeled and grated cassava root, 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach, 3 thinly sliced green onions, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large beaten eggs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until batter holds together.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop 2 tbsp portions of the cassava mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with a spatula. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining batter.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the spicy tomato relish by mixing 2 medium finely diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Stir well.
  4. Step 4: Serve the warm cassava and spinach fritters topped with a spoonful of the spicy tomato relish and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cassava and Spinach Fritters with Spicy Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cassava and Spinach Fritters with Spicy Tomato Relish?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cassava and Spinach Fritters with Spicy Tomato Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cassava and Spinach Fritters with Spicy Tomato Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cassava and Spinach Fritters with Spicy Tomato Relish?

African snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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