Colombian Arepas Recipe 435

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.

Steps:

• Toss together arepa flour, cheese, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a bowl, then stir in water until incorporated.
• Let stand until enough water is absorbed for a soft dough to form, 1 to 2 minutes (dough will continue to stiffen).
• Form 3 level tablespoons dough into 1 ball and flatten between your palms, gently pressing to form a 1/4-inch-thick patty (2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches wide), then gently press around side to eliminate cracks. Transfer to a wax-paper-lined surface.
• Form more disks with remaining dough in same manner, transferring to wax-paper-lined surface.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then fry arepas in 2 batches, turning over once, until deep golden in patches, 8 to 10 minutes total per batch.
• Drain on paper towels.

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil and add it to the corn meal, stirring thoroughly. Add the butter and salt to taste.
• Form into several flat tortillas (4 to 6 inches diameter, 1/8 inch thick) and roast over a low charcoal fire or on a wire rack over the burner of your stove.
• Serve hot with butter and fresh white cheese.