The perfect party finger food is quick and Crispy Colombian Arepas de Queso by Chef Pachi!
Welcome to the heart of Colombian cuisine and freeze and cook Arepas de Queso, Cheese Arepas, for a quick snack anytime. This recipe, featured in "The Encanto Original Cookbook," with only four ingredients, can be quickly made and cooked in any size, from miniature to large, in a panini press or electric grill. Make cooking simply divine, quick, easy, and without supervision, producing crispy and delicious arepas that will make your family rejoice any day, anytime.
Join us on this culinary journey and enjoy Colombian Arepas de Queso's crispy, cheesy goodness!
#chefpachi #encantocookbook #creativeculinarycooks
Recipe
Ingredients:
1/3 cup precooked white cornmeal
1/3 cup warm water
2 teaspoons butter, soft
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 pound (about 2/3 cup) grated white farmer's cheese
Oil or butter for cooking
Instructions:
1. Place the cornmeal, water, butter, and salt in a bowl. Mix with your hands for about 30 seconds until it forms a paste. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Knead the dough for about 1 more minute until a ball forms.
2. Make an indentation in the dough ball, add the cheese, and knead for 1 more minute.
Divide the dough and form it into 4 small balls.
3. Flatten the Dough:
Place the balls between 2 sheets of plastic and flatten to the desired thickness (1/4 to 1/2 inch) using a heavy pan or pot cover.
Cooking:
1. Panini Grill:
Preheat the grill to 380°F.
Brush or spray some oil on the grill plates.
Place the arepas on the grill, cover, and cook for 5 minutes or until crispy.
2. Rack on a Flat Pan:
Place an oiled rack on a flat pan over medium heat.
When the rack is hot, put the arepas on it and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve immediately.
3. Oven:
Place the arepas in a parchment covered and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Sauté Pan:
Melt 1/4 teaspoon of butter in a pan set over medium heat.
Place the arepas in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
TIP 1: For an elegant hors d'oeuvre, make mini arepas about one inch in diameter and serve them with sour cream and caviar. They're a total delicacy!
TIP 2; Enjoy this classic Colombian recipe any time, like a tortilla, and add shredded beef, chicken, or roasted veggies, and bring a piece of Colombia to your table!
