Crispy Colombian Arepas with Cheese
Experience a taste of Colombia with these delightful arepas, a traditional dish made from precooked cornmeal. These savory cornmeal cakes can be enjoyed grilled, baked, or fried, and our featured version is fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior that tantalizes the taste buds while encasing a rich, cheesy filling. Utilizing either flavorful ricotta salata or gooey mozzarella, these arepas offer a luxurious bite that pairs beautifully with hot chocolate, making them a perfect snack for any time of the day. Enjoy them as a side dish or as a delightful treat to impress family and friends during gatherings or casual meals.
4
Servings
170
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Arepa flour
1 cup (precooked cornmeal)
Ricotta salata or mozzarella cheese
1 cup (crumbled or grated)
Water
1 cup
Additional water
2 tablespoons
Salt
1/8 teaspoon
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the arepa flour, crumbled ricotta salata (or grated mozzarella), and salt, mixing well.
2
Gradually add 1 cup of water to the mixture, stirring until combined. Allow the dough to rest for 1 to 2 minutes so it can absorb the moisture and form a soft, workable dough.
3
Take about 3 level tablespoons of the dough, roll it into a ball, and then flatten it gently between your palms to form a patty about 1/4 inch thick and 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches wide. Use your fingers to press the edges to prevent cracks. Place the formed patty on a wax-paper-lined surface.
4
Repeat the process with the remaining dough until you have formed all the arepas. Ensure they are spaced out on the wax paper.
5
In a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
6
Carefully place the arepas in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes total per batch, turning them once to achieve a deep golden color on both sides.
7
Once cooked, remove the arepas from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Colombian Arepas with Cheese?
They are traditional savory cornmeal cakes from Colombia, fried to golden perfection with a cheesy filling.
What is the primary ingredient in this recipe?
The primary ingredient is arepa flour, which is a type of precooked cornmeal.
What types of cheese can be used for the filling?
You can use either crumbled ricotta salata or grated mozzarella cheese for these arepas.
How much arepa flour is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of arepa flour.
How much cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled or grated cheese.
How much water is used to make the dough?
The recipe uses 1 cup of water initially, plus an additional 2 tablespoons if needed.
How much salt is added to the mixture?
You should add 1/8 teaspoon of salt to the dough.
What kind of oil is used for frying?
Vegetable oil is used to fry the arepas to a crispy golden finish.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
How long should the dough rest?
The dough should rest for 1 to 2 minutes to allow it to absorb moisture properly.
How do I form the dough into balls?
Take about 3 level tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball before flattening.
How thick should each arepa patty be?
Each patty should be approximately 1/4 inch thick.
What is the recommended width for the arepas?
The arepas should be about 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches wide.
How can I prevent the edges of the dough from cracking?
Use your fingers to press and smooth the edges of the patties to prevent cracks.
Where should I place the formed arepas before frying?
Place the formed patties on a surface lined with wax paper to prevent sticking.
What type of skillet is best for cooking arepas?
A large nonstick or cast-iron skillet is recommended for frying arepas.
At what heat setting should the arepas be fried?
The arepas should be fried over medium heat until the oil shimmers.
Why should I fry the arepas in batches?
Frying in batches avoids overcrowding the skillet, which ensures even cooking.
What is the total frying time per batch?
Each batch takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes total to fry.
How many times should I turn the arepas during cooking?
Turn the arepas once during the process to ensure both sides are golden brown.
What color should the arepas be when finished?
The arepas should reach a deep golden color on both sides.
How do I remove excess oil from the cooked arepas?
Place the cooked arepas on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
How should these arepas be served?
They are best served warm as a snack, side dish, or treat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 170 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 8.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
Are these arepas suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What beverage pairs well with Colombian arepas?
They pair beautifully with a cup of hot chocolate.