Cheese-Filled Arepas
Indulge in the warm, gooey delight of **Cheese-Filled Arepas**, a beloved Latin American staple that's as comforting as it is versatile. Made with tender discs of **precooked cornmeal (harina PAN or masarepa)**, these arepas are stuffed with melty **mozzarella cheese**, creating an irresistible cheesy core. The dough comes together effortlessly with just a few ingredients—cornmeal, warm water, and a pinch of salt—and is pan-fried to a golden brown perfection in a touch of **vegetable oil and butter** for extra flavor. Ready in under 40 minutes, these mouthwatering arepas boast a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, making them perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a satisfying meal. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings like creamy avocado, fresh tomato slices, or zesty salsa for a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Venezuela or Colombia! Perfect for fans of authentic, gluten-free eats, these arepas are sure to steal the spotlight at your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups precooked cornmeal (harina PAN or masarepa)
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked cornmeal and salt.
Slowly add warm water to the cornmeal, mixing it with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to absorb the water and gain consistency.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a ball.
Flatten each ball into a disc, approximately 1/2-inch thick and 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
Take about 2 tablespoons of grated mozzarella cheese and place it in the center of one of the discs.
Carefully bring the edges of the disc up and over the cheese, forming a ball again, then flatten it gently back into a disc shape.
Repeat the filling process with the remaining dough and cheese.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place the arepas onto the skillet, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Add butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt and coat the arepas for added flavor.
Remove the arepas from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to settle slightly.
Serve the cheese-filled arepas warm, as they are, or with toppings of your choice such as avocado, tomato, or salsa.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2232 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.1 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.5 g | 152% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 2047 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 320.0 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 56.2 g | 112% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 806 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 86 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
