AREPITAS WITH CHIMICHURRI AND QUESO FRESCO

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Arepitas With Chimichurri and Queso Fresco image

Recipe courtesy of Susanna Goihman, Azafran Restaurant, Philadelphia. Love latin infused tapa like dishes. I have yet to make this recipe, so if you do, please share your thoughts. Arepitas are similar to corn fritters.

Provided by Cristina Barry

Categories     South American

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 Spanish onion
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
3 sprigs fresh oregano, leaves picked
2 large garlic cloves
1 jalapeno, stemmed and chopped
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 cups cornmeal (harina pan, precooked white corn flour)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fine salt
2 cups lukewarm water
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more
vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 lb queso fresco, crumbled

Steps:

  • Make the chimichurri: In a food processor, pulse the onion until finely chopped but not pureed.
  • Transfer the onion to a bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, parsley, cilantro, oregano leaves, garlic, and jalapeno and pulse until finely chopped.
  • Transfer the herb mixture to the bowl with the onion and stir to combine. Season the chimichurri with salt and pepper.
  • Make the arepitas: In a large bowl, whisk together the harina pan, Parmesan, and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together the water, milk, and 3 tablespoons oil. stir the milk mixture into the flour mixture.
  • Using your hand, knead the mixture until a firm but malleable dough is formed.
  • Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, pour the oil for frying into a large pot to a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 365 degrees F.
  • Form the dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch round balls. Using the palms of your hands, form the dough balls into rounded "UFO" shapes.
  • Working in batches, add the dough balls to the oil and fry, turning occasionally, until puffed and golden brown.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the arepitas to paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.
  • Serve the arepas in a bowl with the chimichurri and queso fresco in separate bowls on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375.8, Fat 23.4, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 542.1, Carbohydrate 36.1, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 1.4, Protein 7.5

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