Savory Colombian Arepas with Ham and Mozzarella
Experience the delightful flavors of Colombia with these vibrant and delicious arepas, golden brown toasted corn cakes filled with layers of savory sliced ham, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh tomato. Slightly sweet with a touch of saltiness, these arepas make for a delightful lunch or snack that can be shared with family and friends. Serve with a zesty salsa to elevate your meal with a burst of flavor. Ideal for any occasion, these arepas will surely become a favorite in your household!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
masa harina
2 cups (none)
grated white cheese
1 cup (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
warm water
2 1/2 cups (heated)
butter
4-6 tablespoons (divided)
sliced ham
1/2 lb (none)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb (cut into 6 slices)
large tomatoes
1 (cut into 6 slices)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
4-6 teaspoons (divided)
salsa
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, grated white cheese, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring, until the mixture comes together.
2
Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and uniform. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, shaping each portion into a ball, and then flatten each ball into a disk about 4 inches in diameter.
3
Preheat a cast iron skillet or flat-top grill over medium heat, adding half of the butter. Once melted, place the arepas on the skillet and cook them for about 3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
4
Add the remaining butter, flip the arepas, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are golden on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5
To prepare the sandwiches, carefully slice each arepa in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with ham slices, mozzarella cheese, and a slice of tomato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Cap each arepa sandwich with the top half and return them to the skillet or flat-top grill. Heat the remaining butter in the skillet and cook the arepas in batches for about 3 minutes, until the outside is crispy and golden.
7
Flip the arepas, cover them, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully. Serve with salsa on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Colombian Arepas?
They are golden brown toasted corn cakes that are a staple in Colombian cuisine, often filled with various savory ingredients.
What is the primary ingredient for the dough?
The main ingredient for the dough is 2 cups of masa harina.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
What kind of cheese is mixed into the arepa dough?
One cup of grated white cheese is mixed directly into the masa harina dough.
Why is baking soda included in the recipe?
One teaspoon of baking soda is added to the dry mixture to help achieve the desired texture.
How much water is needed for the dough?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of warm, heated water to form the dough.
How should the dough be shaped?
The dough should be divided into 6 balls and then flattened into disks approximately 4 inches in diameter.
What is the best way to cook the arepas?
Cook them in a cast iron skillet or on a flat-top grill over medium heat using butter.
How long do you cook the arepas initially?
They should be cooked for about 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown.
How do you prepare the arepas for filling?
Once cooked and removed from the heat, carefully slice each arepa in half horizontally.
What meat is included in these arepas?
This recipe calls for 1/2 lb of sliced ham.
What type of cheese is used for the filling?
The filling uses 1/2 lb of mozzarella cheese, divided into 6 slices.
Is there a vegetable component in the filling?
Yes, one large tomato is cut into 6 slices and added to the sandwiches.
How is the filling seasoned?
The interior is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste before closing the sandwich.
What is the final step in cooking the assembled arepas?
Return the filled sandwiches to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side until the outside is crispy.
How do you ensure the mozzarella cheese melts properly?
Flip the arepas and cover them during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking to help the cheese melt.
What is recommended for serving on the side?
It is recommended to serve the arepas with a side of zesty salsa for dipping.
How much butter is used throughout the recipe?
The recipe uses 4-6 tablespoons of butter for the initial cook and an additional 4-6 teaspoons for the final crisping.
What should the dough consistency be like?
The dough should be kneaded until it is smooth and uniform.
Can these arepas be eaten for lunch?
Yes, these arepas make a delightful lunch or a hearty snack.
How much salt is added to the dough?
One teaspoon of salt is combined with the masa harina and other dry ingredients.
What is the preparation for the warm water?
The 2 1/2 cups of water should be heated before being gradually added to the mixing bowl.
How much salsa is suggested for the recipe?
The recipe suggests having 1/2 cup of salsa ready for serving.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Colombian, arepas, snack, lunch, comfort food, ham and cheese, and corn cakes.
What temperature should the skillet be?
A medium heat is ideal for preheating the cast iron skillet or grill.
What is the texture of the finished arepa?
The finished arepas have a crispy, golden brown exterior and a soft, cheesy interior.
How much pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses approximately 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I share this recipe with others?
Absolutely, these arepas are described as ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Is the masa harina added all at once?
The masa harina is first combined with dry ingredients, and then the warm water is added gradually.
What type of grill is best for this recipe?
A flat-top grill or a cast iron skillet is recommended for the best results.