Low Fat Cheese-Filled Arepas
Delight in the irresistible charm of **Low Fat Cheese-Filled Arepas**, a healthier twist on a traditional Latin American favorite. These golden, pan-seared corn cakes are made with masa harina, stuffed with gooey low-fat cheese, and cooked to perfection with just a touch of olive oil. Each bite unveils a warm, melty cheese center balanced by the arepa's crisp exterior. This recipe is quick and simple, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive brunch spreads. Enjoy these arepas on their own or pair them with fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or tangy low-fat yogurt for a delightful burst of flavor. Perfect for those looking to indulge without the guilt, these naturally gluten-free, low-fat arepas offer a comforting yet wholesome treat for the whole family.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina (pre-cooked cornmeal)
- 2 cups warm water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups low fat cheese (such as low-fat mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar), shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands to form a smooth, pliable dough. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 5 minutes to hydrate the masa harina properly.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the shredded low fat cheese into the center of each disc. Carefully pull up the edges of the disc to enclose the cheese completely and reform into a ball, then gently flatten it back into a disc, ensuring that the cheese is fully encased in dough.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or a griddle over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the arepas to the skillet, cooking them in batches if needed. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped.
Remove the arepas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve the arepas hot, either plain or with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or low-fat yogurt for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1494 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.4 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 2392 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 195.6 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 69.1 g | 138% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1560 mg | 120% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 876 mg | 19% | |
*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.
