Embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of crafting delectable corn and cheese arepas, a traditional Venezuelan dish bursting with flavors and textures. These irresistible griddled cakes made from a combination of cornmeal and cheese are a symphony of crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. Delve into the array of recipes that showcase the versatility of this dish, from classic preparations to exciting fusion variations, ensuring that you find the perfect recipe to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Venezuelan cuisine.
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COLOMBIAN CORN AND CHEESE AREPAS
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories appetizer, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 11 large arepas
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add 3 cups warm water, mixing with your fingers, then work in 4 tablespoons of the butter. Knead to a soft dough.
- One cup at a time, knead in the cheese. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water if the mixture seems dry. Taste the dough (some cheeses are very salty), then knead in salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Continue kneading until the dough feels soft and smooth, with no lumps. Set aside to rest for at least 15 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.
- Heat the broiler or a grill over high heat. Divide dough into 11 portions, roughly 5 ounces or 1/2 cup each. Roll into balls between your palms and set aside on a tray covered with a damp kitchen towel. Flatten each ball into a thick circle, 3 1/2 inches in diameter, flat on both sides. Return to tray and keep covered.
- Line broiler or grill rack with aluminum foil and brush foil lightly with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange arepas on foil and cook about 4 inches from the heat source, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and speckled - about 10 minutes per side. Serve immediately, for breakfast (like corn muffins) or as an accompaniment to soups or stews (like corn bread).
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 472, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 20 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 727 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 1 gram
CORN AND CHEESE GRIDDLE CAKES (AREPAS)
These little Venezuelan griddle cakes, known as arepas in Spanish, can be eaten at any time of the day, topped with cheese, meat, chicken, or eggs. You can top them with roast pork or a spoonful of pico de gallo as a delicious side or tempting appetizer. You use nonstick cooking spray quite a bit for this, but I like to use an olive oil spritzer. Enjoy!
Provided by Nif_H
Categories Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Put the cornmeal and salt in a food processor and process until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the cheese and butter.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until almost boiling. Gradually stir enough of the milk into the cornmeal mixture to make a very thick batter. Stir in the corn.
- Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium heat. Drop half of the cornmeal mixture, 1 heaping tablespoon at a time, in 6 mounds in the skillet. Flatten slightly and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Spray the griddle cakes with nonstick spray and turn. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes, transferring them to a platter when they are done; keep warm. Repeat with the remaining cornmeal mixture to make a total of 12 griddle cakes. Serve with Pico de Gallo, if using.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 113.3, Fat 3.5, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 9.4, Sodium 205.9, Carbohydrate 16.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 2.3, Protein 5.5
AREPAS WITH CHEESE AND CORN
Originally from Venezuela, so it is said, arepas are perhaps best described as cornmeal-based English muffins. I like them better fried than baked, but they're good either way. There are two-faced griddles for baking them; you might try a waffle iron. Make sure you buy whole-grain cornmeal, which is usually stone ground.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories dinner, lunch, appetizer, main course
Time 45m
Yield 8 to 12 arepas
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Put cornmeal in a large bowl with salt and cheese. Put milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steam rises, then add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir into cornmeal mixture until a thick batter is formed. Fold in the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro and chili if using.
- Let batter rest until it thickens into a soft dough, about 15 minutes. Gently form 3- to 4-inch balls from mixture and flatten with palm of your hand to a 1/2-inch-thick disk. (You can cover and refrigerate disks for a few hours if you like.)
- Heat oil in a large skillet and cook arepas, working in batches, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes on other side. When all arepas are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them through the middle. If desired, serve with butter or stuff with beans, vegetables or sour cream.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 145, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 142 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CORN AND CHEESE AREPAS
Categories Cake Cheese Dairy Side Sauté Quick & Easy Cornmeal Corn Winter Grill/Barbecue Monterey Jack Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes about 24
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Finely grind cornmeal in blender, 1/4 cup at a time. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in cheese, 2 tablespoons butter and salt. Add enough boiling water to mixture to make very thick batter. Stir in corn.
- Heat griddle or large skillet over medium heat with some of remaining melted butter. Working in batches and using 1 tablespoon batter for each corn cake, drop batter onto skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Serve hot.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and cheese will give your arepas the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the arepas: They should be cooked until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still soft and moist on the inside.
- Serve the arepas warm: They are best enjoyed fresh out of the pan, with your favorite toppings.
- Get creative with your toppings: You can top your arepas with anything you like, from classic butter and cheese to more adventurous options like avocado, salsa, or pulled pork.
Conclusion:
Arepas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you are a fan of classic corn and cheese arepas or prefer to get creative with your toppings, there is an arepa recipe out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give arepas a try!
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