Arepas con Queso (Colombian Cheese Corn Cakes)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Masa Harina (pre-cooked corn flour)
• 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 tablespoons Butter or Coconut Oil

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of Masa Harina and the 1/2 teaspoon of Salt.
2. 2Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of Warm Water to the Masa Harina mixture, stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead the dough gently for 2-3 minutes until it is smooth.
3. 3Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a disc about 1/4 inch thick.
4. 4Place the 1 cup of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese evenly over 4 of the flattened discs. Top each of these with one of the remaining 4 discs. Press the edges of the top and bottom discs together firmly to seal, enclosing the cheese inside.
5. 5Heat the 2 tablespoons of Butter or Coconut Oil in a large skillet over medium heat, approximately 350°F (175°C).
6. 6Carefully place the stuffed arepas into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and puffed slightly, and you can see the cheese melting inside.
7. 7Remove the arepas from the skillet and serve immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted.

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