Homemade South American Arepas Food

HOMEMADE AREPAS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the Masarapa, water, and salt until fully combined. Pack the mixture together and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat a large castiron skillet with vegetable oil.
• Measure out 1/4 cup-sized portions and roll into a ball with your hands, then gently press and shape them into discs that are about 1/2 inch thick.
• Place the discs in the hot oil and allow them to cook over low heat until they begin to turn golden brown/black. Flip and repeat, adding additional oil as needed so they don't stick.
• If you want to slice them in half, you'll want to bake them for about 10 minutes at 350F on a large baking sheet. Enjoy hot.

COLOMBIAN AREPAS

Steps:

• Mix water, corn meal, mozzarella cheese, butter, and salt together in a large bowl. Knead until mixed well and the dough has a soft consistency. Form balls the size of a medium orange and place them between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Flatten with a rolling pin to your desired thickness.
• Cut the dough into circles using a cereal bowl or drinking glass, lip-down, through the plastic wrap. Remove the plastic wrap and remove excess dough.
• Coat a griddle with cooking spray and heat to medium-high. Add arepas and grill until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

HOMEMADE AREPAS

Steps:

• Stir water and salt together in a bowl. Gradually stir corn meal into water with your fingers until mixture forms a soft, moist, malleable dough.
• Divide dough into 8 golf ball-size balls and pat each one into a patty about 3/8-inch thick.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook corn patties in hot oil until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain until cool enough to handle.
• Slice halfway through each cake horizontally with a thin serrated knife to form a pita-like pocket.