Savory Corn and Cheese Arepas
Savor the delightful flavors of these Venezuelan-inspired corn and cheese arepas, perfect for any meal of the day! Made with a blend of yellow cornmeal and shredded fat-free mozzarella, these griddle cakes are crisped to golden perfection and filled with the sweetness of fresh corn kernels. Whether served as a delicious snack, a tempting appetizer, or topped with your favorite protein like roast pork or chicken, these arepas deliver versatility and taste. For an extra zesty touch, drizzle on some fresh pico de gallo. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it an inviting option for gatherings or a cozy night in. Pumped up with flavor and goodness, enjoy your homemade Venezuelan treat today!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow Cornmeal
3/4 cup (ground)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Fat-Free Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Butter
4 teaspoons (melted)
Low-Fat Milk
1/2 cup (heated)
Fresh Corn Kernels
2/3 cup (fresh or frozen and thawed)
Pico de Gallo
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the yellow cornmeal and salt. Process the mixture until the cornmeal is finely ground to enhance the texture of your arepas.
2
Transfer the processed cornmeal to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and melted butter, ensuring an even distribution.
3
Heat the low-fat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, watching closely until it reaches just under a boil.
4
Gradually incorporate the warm milk into the cornmeal mixture, mixing until a thick batter forms. Gently fold in the fresh corn kernels for added texture and sweetness.
5
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat it lightly with nonstick cooking spray or an olive oil spritzer.
6
Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of the cornmeal mixture into the skillet to form a mound, flattening it slightly. Repeat until you have six griddle cakes prepared in the skillet.
7
Cook the griddle cakes for about 3 minutes or until they develop a golden-brown color. Carefully spray the tops of the cakes with nonstick spray and flip them to cook the other side.
8
Host the second side for another 3 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Once done, transfer the arepas to a serving platter to keep warm.
9
Repeat this process with the remaining batter, creating a total of 12 delicious corn and cheese arepas.
10
Serve warm, alongside pico de gallo or your choice of toppings for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Corn and Cheese Arepas?
They are Venezuelan-inspired griddle cakes made from yellow cornmeal and mozzarella cheese, filled with fresh corn kernels and crisped to golden perfection.
How many arepas does this recipe make?
This recipe makes a total of 12 delicious corn and cheese arepas.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these arepas are tagged as vegetarian and use meat-free ingredients.
What kind of cornmeal is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of yellow cornmeal, which is finely ground in a food processor.
What type of cheese is used in these arepas?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh corn kernels or frozen kernels that have been thawed.
How long should I cook the arepas on each side?
Each griddle cake should be cooked for about 3 minutes per side until golden-brown and crisp.
What is the best way to serve these arepas?
They are best served warm, either as a snack, appetizer, or topped with pico de gallo, roast pork, or chicken.
Why do I need to use a food processor?
The food processor is used to finely grind the yellow cornmeal and salt together to enhance the overall texture of the arepas.
How do I prepare the milk for the batter?
Heat 1/2 cup of low-fat milk in a small saucepan until it reaches just under a boil before incorporating it into the cornmeal.
What equipment do I need to cook the arepas?
You will need a food processor for grinding, a mixing bowl, a small saucepan, and a large nonstick skillet.
How much batter should I use for each arepa?
Use one heaping tablespoon of the cornmeal mixture for each griddle cake.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
Yes, coat the skillet lightly with nonstick cooking spray or an olive oil spritzer before cooking.
Are these arepas gluten-free?
While cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, you should check your specific brands of cornmeal and cheese to ensure no cross-contamination if you have a sensitivity.
When should I add the corn kernels?
Gently fold the fresh corn kernels into the batter after the warm milk has been mixed into the cornmeal and cheese.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
Four teaspoons of melted butter are stirred into the processed cornmeal to add flavor and improve the distribution of ingredients.
Can I make these arepas for a gathering?
Yes, they are an inviting option for gatherings and can be served as appetizers or snacks.
Should the arepas be flattened in the pan?
Yes, after spooning the mixture into the skillet, you should flatten the mounds slightly to form griddle cakes.
How do I keep the cooked arepas warm?
Transfer the finished arepas to a serving platter as you cook the remaining batches to keep them warm.
What is the texture of these arepas?
They are designed to be crisp on the outside while remaining tender and cheesy on the inside with whole corn kernels for sweetness.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can top the arepas with roast pork or chicken to make them a more substantial meal.
What flavor does the pico de gallo add?
Drizzling pico de gallo on top adds a zesty touch and a burst of fresh flavor to the savory corn cakes.
What is the primary flavor profile of this recipe?
The flavor profile is savory and cheesy with a natural sweetness from the corn kernels.
Is salt included in the batter?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is processed with the cornmeal to season the batter.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 7 ingredients: yellow cornmeal, salt, fat-free mozzarella, butter, low-fat milk, corn kernels, and optional pico de gallo.
Are these arepas easy to prepare?
Yes, they are described as an easy-to-prepare recipe, perfect for a cozy night in or a party.
What origin is this recipe inspired by?
These arepas are inspired by traditional Venezuelan cuisine.
Can I use an olive oil spritzer instead of nonstick spray?
Yes, an olive oil spritzer is a perfectly acceptable alternative for coating the skillet.
How do I know the arepas are finished cooking?
They are done when both sides have developed a golden-brown color and a crisp exterior.
Can these be eaten at any time of day?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.