Cheese Arepas

This recipe is from Venezuela. It is from recipes4us.co.uk. It is posted for ZWT4.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 10  fluid ounces warm water
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 8  ounces masa harina flour
• 4  ounces manchego cheese, grated (pecorino romano can be substituted)
•  oil, for shallow frying
• 1  avocado, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2  tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 16  black olives, pitted and halved

Directions

1. Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a stiff dough.
2. Add the cheese and knead the dough for a few minutes then form into 4 balls.
3. Flatten the balls to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
4. Heat oil in a large frying pan.
5. Add the arepas and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until crisp and golden, turning 3 or 4 times.
6. Drain on kitchen paper.
7. To Serve - split the arepas in half, place on serving plates and garnish with avocado, tomato slices and olives.