Delight in the irresistible flavors of Ecuadorean Arepas, a golden and crispy take on this beloved Latin American classic. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients like masarepa (precooked cornmeal), shredded mozzarella cheese, and a touch of butter, these arepas boast a soft, cheesy interior encased in a perfectly browned crust. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, theyβre a breeze to whip up for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack. Whether served solo or topped with creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or zesty salsa, these versatile arepas are the ultimate comfort food with a unique Ecuadorean twist. Perfectly customizable and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with your hands until a soft and smooth dough forms. The dough should feel moist but not sticky.
Add the butter to the dough and knead for an additional 2-3 minutes to incorporate it evenly.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball between your palms to form a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Cook the arepas in batches, placing them in the skillet and cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Remove the arepas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve warm on their own or with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa.
Calories |
1676 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 78.4 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.2 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 154 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 3223 mg | 140% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.6 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 590 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 446 mg | 9% | |
*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.