Arepas con Queso (Corn Cakes with Cheese)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups masa harina, 1.5 cups warm water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 2 to 3 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
2. 2Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it into a circle, about 0.635 cm thick.
3. 3Place about 2 tablespoons of the 1 cup shredded queso blanco or mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened dough circle. Take another flattened dough circle and place it on top of the cheese. Pinch the edges of the two dough circles together firmly to seal, creating a cheese-filled arepa. Repeat this process for the remaining dough portions and cheese to make 4 filled arepas.
4. 4Heat 1 tbsp of the 2 tbsp butter or oil in a 25.4 cm non-stick skillet over medium heat, which is about 175°C.
5. 5Carefully place 2 of the cheese-filled arepas into the heated skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and puffed up slightly. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey. Remove the cooked arepas from the skillet.
6. 6Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter or oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat (176.7°C/175°C). Cook the remaining 2 arepas for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. 7Serve the arepas hot.