Vegan Arepas with Black Bean and Plantain Filling

Ingredients

• 2 cups Pre-Cooked White Corn Meal (Masarepa)
• 2 cups Warm Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Cooked Black Beans
• 2 Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
• 1/2 Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups Pre-Cooked White Corn Meal (Masarepa), 2 cups Warm Water, and 1 teaspoon Salt. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, then let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the water.
2. 2Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a flat, round patty, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter.
3. 3Peel the 2 Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros) and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices. Heat 1 tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). Add the plantain slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4Dice the 1/2 Onion and mince the 2 cloves Garlic. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil to the same 10-inch skillet and heat over medium heat (about 325°F or 160°C). Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. 5Add the 2 cups Cooked Black Beans and 1 teaspoon Cumin to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes, mashing some of the beans with the back of your spoon to create a slightly thicker consistency. Remove from heat.
6. 6Heat a lightly oiled griddle or a clean 12-inch skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Place the 8 shaped arepas onto the griddle and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. They should feel firm to the touch.
7. 7Carefully slice each cooked arepa horizontally, creating a pocket. Spoon the black bean mixture into the pockets and top with the caramelized sweet plantain slices. Serve the 4 Vegan Arepas with Black Bean and Plantain Filling warm.

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