Description
Crispy corn cakes filled with melted mozzarella.
A Colombian-Venezuelan snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Units
- 2.5 cups (300 g) masarepa (precooked cornmeal)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp sugar
- 2 cups (480 ml) warm water
- 8 slices (8 oz/225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, and sugar. Mix to distribute evenly. Slowly add warm water into the dry mixture, stirring continuously with your hands or a spoon until the dough forms. Allow the dough to rest in the bowl for about 5 minutes.
- Shape the Arepas
- After resting, knead the dough slightly to ensure it’s cohesive and soft. Divide the dough evenly into 8 portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Gently press each ball into a patty about 1/2 inch (approx. 1 cm) thick and 3 inches (8 cm) wide. Smooth any cracked edges with your fingers.
- Cook the Arepas
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat (approximately 375°F/190°C). Add 1 tablespoon butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly. Place the arepas on the griddle, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Fill with Mozzarella
- Reduce heat to medium-low (approximately 300°F/150°C). Place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese onto half of the cooked arepas. Immediately cover each cheese-topped arepa with another warm arepa, sandwiching the cheese in the middle. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes, gently pressing down so the cheese melts evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Serve plain or with your favorite toppings, such as sliced avocado, tomato salsa, cilantro, or hot sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of finely grated parmesan cheese to the arepa dough.
- If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, use a mild, meltable cheese like provolone or Oaxaca cheese.
- To reheat leftover arepas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Colombian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arepa
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 20