Creamy Cottage Cheese Arepas
Indulge in the soft and flavorful goodness of these Creamy Cottage Cheese Arepas. Perfectly golden-brown on the outside and delightfully tender on the inside, these arepas are made with a unique twist—cottage cheese blended into the dough. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, you can enjoy these versatile arepas with a dollop of butter and crumbled queso fresco, or pair them with your favorite dips and salsas. They're a fantastic way to bring a taste of Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine to your table, and everyone will love the simple, wholesome ingredients. Gather your loved ones, make a big batch, and share the joy of homemade arepas!
10
Servings
180
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
masa harina
2 3/4 cups (none)
margarine
1/3 cup (softened)
salt
1 tablespoon (none)
cottage cheese
12 ounces (drained)
hot water
2 1/2 cups (hot)
butter
6 tablespoons (for serving)
queso fresco
1 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, margarine, salt, and cottage cheese.
2
Gradually pour in the hot water, mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
3
Knead the mixture thoroughly for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and has a consistency similar to soft play dough.
4
Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions, rolling them into balls.
5
Place each ball between two sheets of plastic wrap or in Ziploc bags; use a flat surface to gently press them into 1/4 inch thick circles.
6
Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease the surface with cooking oil.
7
Cook the arepas for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8
Serve warm, topped with butter and crumbled queso fresco, or your choice of toppings.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
18
Carbs
7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Cottage Cheese Arepas?
They are soft, golden-brown corn cakes made with a unique twist by blending cottage cheese into the dough, inspired by Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine.
What is the primary flour used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of masa harina.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What kind of cheese is mixed directly into the dough?
12 ounces of drained cottage cheese is mixed into the dough.
How long should I knead the arepa dough?
You should knead the dough thoroughly for about 5 minutes until it is smooth.
What should the consistency of the dough be like?
The dough should have a consistency similar to soft play dough.
What temperature water is required for the dough?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of hot water.
How large should the dough portions be before flattening?
Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions.
How thick should the arepas be pressed?
Gently press the dough balls into circles that are 1/4 inch thick.
What is the best way to flatten the dough without sticking?
Place each ball between two sheets of plastic wrap or in Ziploc bags before pressing with a flat surface.
How do you cook the arepas?
Cook them on a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium heat.
How long does it take to cook each arepa?
Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
Serve them warm with butter and crumbled queso fresco.
Can these arepas be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, they are ideal for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of fat is used inside the dough?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of softened margarine.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt.
Does the cottage cheese need special preparation?
Yes, the cottage cheese should be drained before being added to the mixture.
What total number of ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients.
Can I pair these with dips?
Yes, they pair excellently with your favorite dips and salsas.
What culture's cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is a take on Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine.
Is queso fresco used in the dough or as a topping?
Queso fresco is used as a topping, crumbled over the finished arepas.
What is the texture of the finished arepas?
They are golden-brown on the outside and delightfully tender on the inside.
Should the griddle be preheated?
Yes, preheat the griddle or skillet over medium heat before cooking.
How much butter is used for serving?
The recipe suggests 6 tablespoons of butter for serving across the batch.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.