Ecuadorean Arepas

Delight in the irresistible flavors of Ecuadorean Arepas, a golden and crispy take on this beloved Latin American classic. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients like masarepa (precooked cornmeal), shredded mozzarella cheese, and a touch of butter, these arepas boast a soft, cheesy interior encased in a perfectly browned crust. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, they’re a breeze to whip up for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack. Whether served solo or topped with creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or zesty salsa, these versatile arepas are the ultimate comfort food with a unique Ecuadorean twist. Perfectly customizable and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups masarepa (precooked cornmeal)
• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with your hands until a soft and smooth dough forms. The dough should feel moist but not sticky.

Step 3

Add the butter to the dough and knead for an additional 2-3 minutes to incorporate it evenly.

Step 4

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball between your palms to form a disc about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 6

Cook the arepas in batches, placing them in the skillet and cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 7

Remove the arepas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 8

Serve warm on their own or with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	773.2 grams (773.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1677

Total Fat 78.40g	101%
Saturated Fat 31.20g	156%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 154mg	51%
Sodium 3223mg	140%
Total Carbohydrate 193.60g	70%
Dietary Fiber 12.00g	43%
Total Sugars 1.40g
Protein 42.20g	84%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 590mg	45%
Iron 4mg	24%
Potassium 446mg	9%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.8%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 47.0%