Arepitas With Chimichurri And Queso Fresco Food

GUAVA AND QUESO FRESCO GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan over medium heat.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread. Add the queso fresco and guava paste to the non buttered side of one of the slices. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up.
• Add the sandwich to the grill and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side.

AREPAS DE QUESO

Steps:

• Shred 3 ounces of the mozzarella and cut remaining 5 ounces into 1/2-inch cubes. Transfer shredded cheese to a large bowl and cubed cheese to a medium bowl.
• Add cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, and warm water to the shredded cheese and mix to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow cornmeal to absorb liquid. The mixture should resemble soft Play-Doh.
• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
• With damp palms and fingers, place 1/4 cup arepa mixture into your palm and flatten into a 2 1/2-inch disk. Place 3 to 4 cubes of the mozzarella into the center. Gently fold edges of dough over to cover mozzarella cubes completely, patting to form a cake. Repeat until all dough and cheese has been used.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 or 4 arepas and cook until both sides are golden brown and charred in spots, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove to a parchment-lined baking sheet and season with a pinch of the remaining salt. Place in the preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil, arepas, and salt.

AREPITAS WITH CHIMICHURRI AND QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Make the chimichurri: In a food processor, pulse the onion until finely chopped but not pureed.
• Transfer the onion to a bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, parsley, cilantro, oregano leaves, garlic, and jalapeno and pulse until finely chopped.
• Transfer the herb mixture to the bowl with the onion and stir to combine. Season the chimichurri with salt and pepper.
• Make the arepitas: In a large bowl, whisk together the harina pan, Parmesan, and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together the water, milk, and 3 tablespoons oil. stir the milk mixture into the flour mixture.
• Using your hand, knead the mixture until a firm but malleable dough is formed.
• Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pour the oil for frying into a large pot to a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 365 degrees F.
• Form the dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch round balls. Using the palms of your hands, form the dough balls into rounded "UFO" shapes.
• Working in batches, add the dough balls to the oil and fry, turning occasionally, until puffed and golden brown.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the arepitas to paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
• Serve the arepas in a bowl with the chimichurri and queso fresco in separate bowls on the side.

CORN FRITTERS WITH HERB SALSA AND FRESH CHEESE: AREPITAS WITH CHIMICHURRI AND QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Make the chimichurri: In a food processor, pulse the onion until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer the onion to a bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, parsley, cilantro, oregano leaves, garlic, and jalapeno and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer the herb mixture to the bowl with the onion and stir to combine. Season the chimichurri with salt and pepper.
• Make the arepitas: In a large bowl, whisk together the harina pan, Parmesan, and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together the water, milk, and 3 tablespoons oil. Stir the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Using your hand, knead the mixture until a firm but malleable dough is formed. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pour the oil for frying into a large pot to a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 365 degrees F.
• Form the dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch round balls. Using the palms of your hands, form the dough balls into rounded "UFO" shapes.
• Working in batches, add the dough balls to the oil and fry, turning occasionally, until puffed and golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the arepitas to paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
• Serve the arepas in a bowl with the chimichurri and queso fresco in separate bowls on the side.

MARINATED QUESO FRESCO

Steps:

• Cut the Queso Fresco into 3/4-1 inch cubes.
• In a large, shallow dish, combine all ingredients except cheese.
• (If you want, you could throw them in the food processor for ease).
• Stir to combine.
• Then add the cheese, toss to coat.
• Let stand at room temp for 2 hours before serving.
• However, this can marinate for up to 3 days in the fridge.