Low Fat Cheese-Filled Arepas
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Low Fat Cheese-Filled Arepas—an irresistible twist on a classic Latin American favorite that’s both delicious and guilt-free! Made with wholesome masa harina and filled with gooey low-fat cheese, these golden-crusted arepas strike the perfect balance between satisfying comfort food and mindful eating. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re packed with flavor yet light on fat, making them an ideal choice for a healthy snack, appetizer, or light meal. The dough is effortlessly handcrafted, and each arepa is pan-fried to perfection using just a touch of heart-healthy olive oil. Pair these cheesy delights with fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or tangy low-fat yogurt for a vibrant and versatile dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for anyone seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing authenticity!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina (pre-cooked cornmeal)
- 2 cups warm water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups low fat cheese (such as low-fat mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar), shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands to form a smooth, pliable dough. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
Step 2
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 5 minutes to hydrate the masa harina properly.
Step 3
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 4
Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the shredded low fat cheese into the center of each disc. Carefully pull up the edges of the disc to enclose the cheese completely and reform into a ball, then gently flatten it back into a disc, ensuring that the cheese is fully encased in dough.
Step 5
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or a griddle over medium heat.
Step 6
Once the oil is hot, add the arepas to the skillet, cooking them in batches if needed. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 7
Remove the arepas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 8
Serve the arepas hot, either plain or with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or low-fat yogurt for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (905g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1494 |
| Total Fat 47.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 18.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 60mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2392.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 195.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 7.4g | |
| Protein 69.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1560.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 876.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories