Golden, cheese-stuffed corn arepas, crisp outside and gooey-melty in the middle.
8 steps, about 45 minutes start to finish.
Combine masa, warm water, salt, and melted butter in a large bowl.
Mix with a knife/utensil, then switch to hands. Dough should be soft and pliable like Play-Doh.
Add grated cheese and knead into dough until well incorporated.
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces (approximately 156g each from a total of 1255g).
Shape each piece into a disc about 4 inches in diameter and half inch thick.
Heat oil (about half inch depth) in a skillet over medium heat.
Pan fry 5-7 minutes per side until golden and they sound hollow when tapped.
Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
“Add the water gradually until the dough feels like soft Play-Doh, not sticky or crumbly. When you fry them, listen for the hollow tap on the surface, which tells you the inside has cooked through.”
