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Crispy Colombian Arepas with Cheese Stuffed Corn Cakes

crispy Colombian arepas - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy Colombian arepas stuffed with melty fresh white cheese, perfect as a comforting snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 250g) precooked cornmeal (masarepa)
  • 2 cups (480ml) warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120g) fresh white cheese (queso fresco or farmer’s cheese), crumbled
  • Vegetable oil or light olive oil for frying (enough to cover pan bottom about 1/4 inch)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups (250g) of precooked cornmeal with 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly add 2 cups (480ml) of warm water while stirring with your hand or a spoon. Let it sit for 5 minutes to hydrate fully.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
  3. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions (about 80g each). Flatten each portion into a disc roughly 4 inches (10cm) in diameter and 1/2 inch (1.3cm) thick.
  4. Place a generous tablespoon of crumbled fresh white cheese in the center of one disc. Top with another disc and gently press the edges together to seal the cheese inside, reshaping if necessary.
  5. Pour enough vegetable oil into a non-stick or cast iron skillet to cover the bottom about 1/4 inch (6mm). Heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking—about 5 minutes.
  6. Carefully place the arepas in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
  7. Transfer the cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm.

Notes

Let the dough hydrate fully to avoid cracking. Use medium heat to prevent burning and cook slowly for a crispy crust and melty cheese center. If arepas puff up too much, gently press down with spatula. Fresh white cheese melts best without becoming oily. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: arepas, Colombian arepas, cheese stuffed arepas, corn cakes, crispy arepas, snack recipe, gluten-free snack

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-colombian-arepas-with-cheese-stuffed-corn-cakes-easy-recipe-for-perfect-snack/