Spinach and Cheese Arepas

Ingredients

• For the Arepas:
• 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) 🌽
• 1 ½ cups warm water 💧
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 tablespoon melted butter 🧈
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder (for extra fluffiness) ✨
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 🌿
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or queso blanco 🧀
• 0.25 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper ⚫
• For Serving:
• Sliced avocado 🥑
• Sour cream or crema 🥄
• Fresh cilantro (optional) 🌿

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Dough 🌽🫓
2. 2In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, salt, baking powder, melted butter, and warm water. Stir until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
3. 32️⃣ Cook the Spinach 🌿🔥
4. 4Heat olive oil in a pan, add the chopped spinach, and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
5. 53️⃣ Form the Arepas 🫓🧀
6. 6Divide the dough into equal portions and flatten into discs about ½ inch thick.
7. 7Place a spoonful of shredded cheese and cooked spinach in the center of one disc, then top with another and seal the edges, gently pressing together.
8. 84️⃣ Cook the Arepas 🔥🫓
9. 9Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil. Cook arepas for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
10. 105️⃣ Serve & Enjoy 🍽️✨
11. 11Slice them open slightly, drizzle with sour cream, and serve with fresh avocado and cilantro.