Arepas de queso (cheese arepas)

arepas_de_queso_(cheese_arepas)

Arepas de queso, or cheese arepas, are a beloved staple in Colombian cuisine. These delightful savory cakes boast a crisp exterior and a tender, slightly chewy interior filled with melty cheese. They are versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, a part of a meal or even as breakfast fare.

Arepas have been a staple in the Andean region of South America for centuries, dating back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous communities prepared them from cornmeal. Nowadays, Colombian arepa makers add various ingredients to the dough to elevate the flavor and texture, with cheese being a popular choice.

The recipe for arepas de queso is relatively simple, requiring a few basic ingredients that can be sourced easily from most grocery stores. The most crucial ingredient for this dish is the cheese; the perfect cheese for arepas de queso is the Colombian queso blanco, which is a soft and mild cheese, but other cheeses can be used too.

To make the dough, you need masa harina, salt, and water, and any cheese of your choosing. Simply mix the masa harina, salt, and water in a bowl until you get a smooth dough, then add the cheese and knead until the cheese is distributed evenly throughout.

The next steps involve shaping the dough into small arepas and cooking them on a griddle or in a heavy frying pan until both sides are golden brown. The result is a crispy, cheesy, and delicious arepa that is perfect to serve as a side dish to almost any meal or as a snack.

Beyond the basic recipe, there are several different variations of arepa de queso you can try. For example, if you want a more pungent flavor, you can use Parmesan cheese instead of queso blanco. Some cooks like to mix other ingredients into the dough, such as cilantro or jalapeno peppers, to give the arepas a spicy kick.

In addition to cheese, arepas can also be stuffed with a variety of fillings. Meats like shredded chicken or carnitas, vegetables like avocado or caramelized onions, and sauces like salsa or chipotle mayo are all great options.

Arepas de queso are a popular breakfast dish in Colombia, traditionally served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. The warmth and comfort of the dish make it an excellent choice for a chilly morning, and it is a perfect meal to start the day off on the right foot.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of cheese and delicious dishes, then you should try arepas de queso. It is a traditional Colombian dish that has remained popular for good reason, deliciousness. Whether stuffed or plain, they are a perfect meal or snack and easy to make, even for inexperienced cooks. So, get your ingredients today and start making your own cheese arepas today to experience their magic.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
  • 2 cups of warm water
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 cup of crumbled queso fresco (fresh cheese)

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the masarepa, warm water, and salt. Mix well until the dough comes together.
  2. Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes until it softens.
  3. Add the crumbled queso fresco to the dough and mix well.
  4. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to form a disc shape.
  5. Heat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Grease it with a little bit of oil.
  6. Carefully transfer the arepas to the griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden-brown.
  7. Repeat with the remaining arepas until they are all cooked.
  8. Serve warm with butter or avocado, and enjoy your delicious Colombian Arepas de queso!