Arepas con Queso (Cheese Arepas)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of Maseca and the 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the 1.5 cups of warm water while mixing with your hands until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 2 minutes until it is smooth.
2. 2Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball about the size of a golf ball.
3. 3Take one dough ball and flatten it into a disc about 10.16 cm in diameter and 0.635 cm thick. Repeat with 3 more dough balls, so you have 4 flattened discs.
4. 4Sprinkle about half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the center of each of these 4 discs, leaving a small border around the edge. Take the remaining 4 dough balls, flatten them into discs the same size as the first set, and place one on top of each cheese-filled disc. Gently press the edges of the top and bottom discs together to seal the cheese inside, forming 4 filled arepas.
5. 5Heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet (about 25.4-30.48 cm) over medium heat, which is about 175°C.
6. 6Carefully place the 4 filled arepas into the hot oil. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side, until they are golden brown and slightly puffed. Flip the arepas and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes on the second side, until they are also golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. You should hear a gentle sizzle as they cook.
7. 7Remove the arepas from the skillet and serve them hot.

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