Lush Colombian Arepas de Choclo with Queso Fresco

Name: Lush Colombian Arepas de Choclo with Queso Fresco
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: Fresh sweet corn kernels; Arepa flour (pre-cooked cornmeal); Milk; Sugar; Salt; Unsalted butter, melted; Queso fresco, crumbled; Mozzarella cheese, shredded; Sour cream or crème fraîche; Fresh cilantro, chopped

Sweet Corn Arepas with Fresh Cheese

Delight in the sweet and cheesy flavors of traditional Colombian arepas made from fresh corn and paired with creamy queso fresco.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Arepas

Fresh sweet corn kernels

2 cups (about 3-4 ears of corn)

Arepa flour (pre-cooked cornmeal)

1 cup

Milk

1/2 cup

Sugar

1/2 cup

Salt

1/2 tsp

Unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp

For the Filling

Queso fresco, crumbled

1 cup

Mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/4 cup

For the Topping

Sour cream or crème fraîche

1/4 cup

Fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tbsp

Preparation

Preparing the Arepas

Blend Corn Kernels

In a blender, pulse corn kernels until they are a coarse pulp.

Avoid over-blending the corn to prevent a gummy texture.

Mix Dough

In a bowl, mix the corn pulp, arepa flour, milk, sugar, salt, and melted butter until a dough forms.

Adjust the milk quantity if the dough seems too dry or too wet.

Rest Dough

Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

Combine Cheeses

Combine the crumbled queso fresco and shredded mozzarella in a bowl.

Mix Well

Mix well to ensure even distribution.

Cooking Process

Shaping Arepas

Divide dough into 8 equal portions, flatten each into small rounds (1/3 inch thick).

Filling Arepas

Place a heaped tablespoon of cheese mixture in the center of half the rounds, top with another round, and press edges to seal.

Cooking Arepas

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a light swipe of butter; place arepas in the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Plating & Serving