Cheesy Arepas with Avocado

Crispy cornmeal arepas, melty cheese, creamy avocado!

These cheesy arepas are a delightful treat, featuring crispy cornmeal patties filled with gooey melted cheese and topped with fresh avocado. They are perfect as a hearty snack, a unique appetizer, or a light meal. This recipe is suitable for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (Masarepa)
• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for cooking)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, warm water, salt, and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Let rest 5 minutes.
3. Divide dough into 8 equal balls. Flatten each into a 4-inch disc.
4. Heat a lightly oiled non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
5. Cook arepas for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Carefully slice each arepa almost in half to create a pocket.
7. Stuff generously with shredded cheese and return to pan for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
8. Remove, fill with sliced avocado, and serve warm.

Nutrition

This recipe works out to about 400 calories per serving. For the full breakdown, protein, carbs, and fat included, save it in the Forkful app: nutrition is calculated automatically from the ingredient list.

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