Fried Masa Cakes with Cheese (Arepas de Queso)

Vegetarian
Health score
1%
Fried Masa Cakes with Cheese (Arepas de Queso)
45 min.
12
173kcal

Suggestions


If you're looking for a delightful vegetarian treat, Fried Masa Cakes with Cheese, or Arepas de Queso, are sure to satisfy your cravings. These golden, cheesy cakes are a beloved staple in Latin American cuisine, offering a harmonious combination of crispy edges and a soft, cheesy center. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a comforting dessert, they can be enjoyed any time of the day!

Preparing these arepas is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of toasting cornmeal and melting mozzarella. The simple mixture of white arepa flour, milk, and cheese comes together to create a soft dough that you can easily shape into patties. The addition of butter and a touch of sugar gives them a rich and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the savory cheese.

Not only are these masa cakes delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them by adding herbs or spices to the dough for an extra twist. Serve them warm right off the skillet, and watch as they become an instant favorite among family and friends. With just 173 calories per serving, these bites of joy offer a guilt-free indulgence that's both satisfying and scrumptious. Elevate your cooking repertoire with this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups flour white (precooked cornmeal)
  • 2.5 cups milk 
  • cup mozzarella cheese grated
  • teaspoon salt 
  • tablespoon sugar 
  • 0.3 cup butter unsalted cut into pieces
  • tablespoons vegetable oil 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • sauce pan

Directions

  1. Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in butter.
  2. Combine arepa flour, salt, sugar, and mozzarella in a large bowl.
  3. Add hot milk and stir until combined.
  4. Let mixture stand until milk is absorbed enough for a soft dough to form, 1 to 2 minutes (dough will continue to stiffen).
  5. Form dough into 12 balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and flatten between palms into 3 1/2- to 4-inch patties (about 1/3 inch thick).
  6. Heat ‚ tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderately low heat until hot, then cook 3 or 4 arepas until cooked through and golden in patches, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Make more arepas in same manner, adding oil as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Calories173kcal
Protein12.44%
Fat51.78%
Carbs35.78%

Properties

Glycemic Index
17.51
Glycemic Load
10.28
Inflammation Score
-3
Nutrition Score
5.1365217229594%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:173.17kcal
8.66%
Fat:9.97g
15.34%
Saturated Fat:4.97g
31.08%
Carbohydrates:15.5g
5.17%
Net Carbohydrates:15.08g
5.48%
Sugar:3.58g
3.98%
Cholesterol:23.64mg
7.88%
Sodium:272.47mg
11.85%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:5.39g
10.78%
Calcium:113.27mg
11.33%
Selenium:7.9µg
11.29%
Vitamin B2:0.18mg
10.33%
Vitamin B1:0.15mg
10.28%
Phosphorus:102.39mg
10.24%
Vitamin B12:0.5µg
8.26%
Folate:29.39µg
7.35%
Manganese:0.11mg
5.61%
Vitamin A:263.63IU
5.27%
Vitamin B3:0.99mg
4.94%
Vitamin K:4.91µg
4.68%
Vitamin D:0.67µg
4.45%
Iron:0.77mg
4.28%
Zinc:0.6mg
3.97%
Potassium:101.26mg
2.89%
Magnesium:11.5mg
2.88%
Vitamin B5:0.28mg
2.76%
Vitamin E:0.35mg
2.32%
Vitamin B6:0.04mg
2.07%
Fiber:0.42g
1.69%
Copper:0.03mg
1.25%
Source:Epicurious