Vegetarian Arepa con Queso

Savor the irresistible charm of Vegetarian Arepa con Queso, a golden-crusted Latin American delight that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Crafted with just a handful of pantry staples like precooked cornmeal (masarepa), gooey mozzarella cheese, and a touch of butter, these arepas are perfectly soft on the inside with a crispy exterior. The secret lies in splitting them open to create a pocket filled with melted cheese that oozes with every bite. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or even as a savory snack, these cheesy arepas take only 30 minutes to prepare and are completely meat-free, making them a fantastic option for vegetarians. Serve them piping hot with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an authentic taste of Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked cornmeal (masarepa)
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, for frying
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked cornmeal and salt.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough.

Step 3

Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to hydrate.

Step 4

Knead the dough for a couple of minutes, and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Step 5

Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten into a disc about 1/2-inch thick with your hands.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Step 7

Place the arepas in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd, and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.

Step 8

Once cooked, use a knife to carefully split each arepa in half, creating a pocket.

Step 9

Stuff each arepa with an equal amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Return the stuffed arepas to the skillet to melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 11

Serve the arepas hot with your choice of sauces or accompaniments.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(775.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	793.7

Total Fat 73.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 143.2mg	0%
Sodium 3128.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 4.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 0.0g
Protein 28.5g	0%

Vitamin D 14.2IU	0%
Calcium 813.2mg	0%
Iron 0mg	0%
Potassium 6.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.6%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 2.1%