Peel cassava (yuca) and cut into 4-inch pieces, lengthways.
Add cassava to a pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. When the pot comes to a boil, season with salt to taste. Let cassava cook until fork tender.
Drain cooked cassava well and let cool to handle.
Cut cassava pieces in half and remove the stem in the middle. Cut the halved pieces into half-inch strips.
Heat oil in deep pan until smoking hot. Working in batches, fry cassava until they are gently browned. Season with black pepper and a sprinkling of salt as soon as it is finished cooking.
Serve just as you would, French Fries.