Cheese-Filled Arepas

1. 1

   Shred 3 ounces of the mozzarella and cut the remaining 5 ounces into 1/2-inch cubes. Transfer the shredded cheese to a large bowl and the cubed cheese to a medium bowl.

2. 2

   Add cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, and warm water to the shredded cheese and mix to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes so the cornmeal can absorb the liquid. The mixture should look like soft Play-Doh.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).

4. 4

   With damp palms and fingers, place 1/4 cup of the arepa mixture into your palm and flatten it into a 2 1/2-inch disk. Put 3 to 4 cubes of the mozzarella in the center. Gently fold the edges of the dough over to fully cover the mozzarella cubes, patting to form a cake. Repeat until all the dough and cheese are used.

5. 5

   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 or 4 arepas and cook until both sides are golden brown and charred in spots, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and season with a pinch of the remaining salt. Place in the preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining oil, arepas, and salt.

• Calories 176.7 kcal Moderate
• Protein 5.98 g Moderate
• Carbs 21.77 g Moderate
• Total Fat 8.32 g Moderate
• Saturated Fat 2.3 g Moderate
• Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
• Cholesterol 11.5 mg Low Source
• Sodium 109.47 mg Low Source
• Fiber 2.59 g Low Source
• Sugar 2.45 g Low Source
• Added Sugar 1.77 g Low Source
• Calcium 116.43 mg Low Source
• Iron 0.65 mg Low Source
• Potassium 91.14 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 35.26 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source
• Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Milk 🥛
• Corn 🌽