Vegetarian Arepa con Queso
Savor the irresistible charm of 'Vegetarian Arepa con Queso,' a classic Latin American comfort food that's deliciously simple yet full of flavor. Made with just a handful of pantry staples like precooked cornmeal (masarepa), salt, and warm water, these golden, crispy arepas are effortlessly crafted into soft, mouthwatering discs. The true magic lies in the filling—ooey-gooey melted mozzarella cheese stuffed inside each arepa for an indulgent cheesy center. Fried to perfection with butter and oil for a perfectly crisp exterior, this vegetarian version stays true to tradition and pairs beautifully with your favorite sauces or sides. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for breakfast, lunch, or even as a hearty snack. Perfect your homemade arepas and experience the authentic taste of Latin cuisine in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups precooked cornmeal (masarepa)
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, for frying
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked cornmeal and salt.
Gradually add the warm water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough.
Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to hydrate.
Knead the dough for a couple of minutes, and divide it into 8 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten into a disc about 1/2-inch thick with your hands.
Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Place the arepas in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd, and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
Once cooked, use a knife to carefully split each arepa in half, creating a pocket.
Stuff each arepa with an equal amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return the stuffed arepas to the skillet to melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Serve the arepas hot with your choice of sauces or accompaniments.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
426 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.6 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 691 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.0 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 11.7 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 211 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 168 mg | 4% | |
*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.
