Arepas con Queso (Corn Cakes with Cheese)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups masa harina with the 1.5 cups warm water and the 0.5 teaspoon salt. Mix with your hands until a soft dough forms.
2. 2Knead the dough gently in the bowl for 2-3 minutes, until it feels smooth and no longer sticky.
3. 3Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball between your palms into a circle about 10.16 cm wide and 0.635 cm thick.
4. 4Place about 1/4 cup of the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the cheese to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, like crimping the edge of a pie crust.
5. 5Pour the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a 25.4 cm skillet and heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. This is about 162.8°C (160°C).
6. 6Carefully place the filled arepas into the hot oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, until they are golden brown and you can see the cheese starting to melt inside. Flip them over and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the second side, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
7. 7Remove the arepas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted.

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