Arepas with Melted Cheese & Herbs

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups masarepa (pre-cooked arepa flour or masa harina)
• 1.25 cup water
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter (or vegetable oil), for cooking
• 1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil
• 2 tbsp red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Instructions

1. 1Cook masarepa per package instructions.
2. 2Masa harina instructions: Whisk masa harina and salt together in a bowl. Pour the hot water and oil or butter over the mixture. Stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. Let the dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Masa harina takes longer than arepa flour to absorb.
3. 3Arepa flour instructions: Make the dough: In a separate bowl, combine the masarepa and 1/8 tsp salt. Pour in the warm water and knead 2–3 minutes until a smooth, moist dough forms that doesn't stick to your hands. Let rest 5 minutes.
4. 4Shape the arepas: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten between your palms into a disk about 1/2-inch thick and 3–4 inches wide, smoothing any cracks along the edges.
5. 5Cook the arepas: Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter (or oil) to coat the pan. Cook the arepas 5–6 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms and they sound slightly hollow when tapped.
6. 6Bake: Transfer the seared arepas to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to finish cooking through.
7. 7Cook the beans: While the arepas bake, heat the garlic-infused olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the red bell pepper 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the black beans, oregano, a pinch of salt, and 2–3 tbsp water. Simmer 5 minutes, lightly mashing a few beans with the back of a spoon for a thick, savory texture. Remove from heat.
8. 8Assemble and serve: Let the arepas cool 2 minutes, then slice each horizontally about three-quarters through to make a pocket. Stuff generously with the warm black beans and top with the cheese, letting residual heat melt it.
9. 9Serve fresh.