Dominican Corn Arepas

Ingredientes

• 2 Tassen pre-cooked cornmeal (Harina P.A.N.)
• 2 ½ Tassen warm water
• 1 Teelöffel salt
• 1 Esslöffel vegetable oil or butter
• Zum Braten vegetable oil
• 100g Dominican fresh cheese (optional)
• 2 eggs (optional)

Instrucciones

1. Take a large bowl and combine the cornmeal with the salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or whisk. Ensure that the salt is evenly distributed to optimize the flavor of the arepas. This forms the essential base for your perfect arepas.
2. Now, add the warm water and the tablespoon of vegetable oil or melted butter. Knead the mixture with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until a smooth dough forms. Ensure there are no dry spots and the dough has a homogeneous consistency. It should be easy to shape.
3. Let the prepared dough rest for exactly 5 minutes. It's best to cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. This resting period is crucial to allow the cornmeal to fully absorb the liquid, making the dough smoother and ensuring a better texture for your arepas.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. First, shape each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it into a round disc. The thickness should be approximately 1 centimeter. Ensure the edges are smooth to prevent them from breaking apart during frying.
5. Heat a large, heavy skillet, ideally a cast-iron pan, over medium heat (approx. level 5-6 out of 9). Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 0.5 cm. Let the oil heat until it shimmers slightly – this ensures a beautiful browning.
6. Carefully place the shaped arepas into the hot oil. Fry them for 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Flip them only once to achieve an even browning. Serve warm, optionally with fried eggs and fresh Dominican cheese.

Nutrición