Cheesy Black Bean Arepa Delight

A delicious fusion of cheesy goodness and savory black beans encased in crispy cornmeal arepas, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   In a medium bowl, combine the masarepa, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup of warm water. Stir the mixture with your hands until a smooth dough forms. It should be pliable and slightly sticky to the touch. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring the edges are smooth to prevent cracking while cooking. Tuck the cheese into the center of each disc, sealing the edges well.
3. 3.
   Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the discs in the pan. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Flip the arepas gently using a spatula and continue cooking the other side for another 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. The insides should be cheesy and melty.
5. 5.
   Remove the arepas from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly. Meanwhile, mash the black beans lightly with the back of a fork and a pinch of salt. Add the mashed beans to the skillet and warm them through for about 2 minutes.
6. 6.
   To serve, slice each arepa open horizontally and stuff with the warm black beans. Close them up, slice into halves, and enjoy immediately for the best texture. If the arepas start to cool, reheat them in the skillet for a minute on each side to give them back their crispy exterior.