Cheesy Venezuelan Arepas

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) pre-cooked cornmeal 2 cups (240g) pre-cooked cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (470ml) warm water 2 cups (470ml) warm water
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
5. 5.
   In a non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden crust.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the arepas from the skillet and let them cool slightly.
8. 8.
   Slice each arepa in half horizontally, creating a pocket for the filling.
9. 9.
   Fill each arepa with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
10. 10.
    Return the filled arepas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
11. 11.
    Serve the Cheesy Venezuelan Arepas warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pre-cooked cornmeal — Make sure to use pre-cooked cornmeal specifically made for arepas, as regular cornmeal may not yield the desired texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add some chopped jalapenos or bell peppers to the dough for a spicy kick.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor combinations.
• If you prefer a softer texture, steam the arepas instead of pan-frying them.
• Leftover arepas can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a crispy exterior.
• Serve the arepas with traditional Venezuelan accompaniments such as avocado, black beans, or pico de gallo.

Serving advice

Serve the Cheesy Venezuelan Arepas warm, either as a standalone snack or as a side dish. They are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet when the cheese is still gooey and melted.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cheesy Venezuelan Arepas on a platter, showcasing their golden crust and oozing cheese filling. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.