Cheesy Arepas
Thermomix recipe: Cheesy Arepas. Ready in 40 minutes. Serves 4. Step-by-step Thermomix instructions on Chef Amai.
Ingredients
- 150 g mozzarella cheese, or queso fresco, shredded
- 350 g warm water
- 5 g salt (approx. 1 tsp)
- 250 g pre-cooked white cornmeal (Harina P.A.N. type)
- 20 g vegetable oil, for pan-frying (optional, for stovetop)
Instructions
- If using block cheese, cut 150 g mozzarella cheese into 2-3 cm pieces and place in the clean, dry mixing bowl. Grate 5 sec / Speed 7. Transfer to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Add 350 g warm water and 5 g salt to the mixing bowl. Heat 1 min / 37°C / Speed 1 to dissolve the salt.
- Add 250 g pre-cooked white cornmeal to the mixing bowl. Mix 30 sec / Speed 4 until well combined.
- Select Knead mode and knead for 1 minute. The dough should be soft and pliable. If it's too dry, add 10-20 g more water; if too wet, add 10-20 g more cornmeal.
- Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Take one portion, flatten it into a disc (about 8-10 cm diameter), place a spoonful of the shredded cheese in the center, and carefully fold the edges to seal the cheese inside. Reshape into a smooth, thick disc (about 1.5-2 cm thick). Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.
- Clean the mixing bowl. Add 500 g water to the mixing bowl for steaming. Secure the Varoma into position.
- Carefully place the formed arepas in the Varoma dish and tray, ensuring not to overcrowd them and allowing space for steam to circulate. Steam 20-25 min / Varoma / Speed 2.
- Once steamed, the arepas will be cooked through. For a golden, crispy exterior, heat 20 g vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat (stovetop). Cook the arepas for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve the cheesy arepas warm, either plain or with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or a fried egg.
View this recipe on Chef Amai — convert any recipe to Thermomix format at chefamai.com.