Mozzarella-Stuffed Arepas with Sherry-Mango Slaw
Arepas are Venezuelan and Colombian fritters made from masarepa, a precooked white cornmeal (find it in the Latin section of most grocery stores; we recommend PAN or Goya brands). Arepas are usually stuffed with a variety of fillings—including cheese—before frying. The best kinds have an ooey-gooey middle; mozzarella definitely delivers. Start preparing the slaw early as it must soften in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before use.
Ingredients
SHERRY-MANGO SLAW
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cups savoy cabbage shredded
- ¼ cup carrots grated or finely chopped
- ½-¾ cup fresh ripe mango peeled and chopped
- 3 scallions sliced
- 1 serrano pepper seeded and minced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
AREPAS
- 1¾ cups warm water
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups masarepa pre-cooked white cornmeal
- 1 large ball of fresh mozzarella approximately 1 pound, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds
- Canola oil to fry
Instructions
- SHERRY-MANGO SLAW: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, mango, scallions, serrano pepper, and cilantro. Toss together, cover, and refrigerate 1 hour to overnight to soften.
- AREPAS: Combine warm water and salt in a bowl. Stir to dissolve. Add masarepa and stir to form a dough. (It should have the consistency of soft Play-Doh.) Knead together, divide dough in half, and place each half on a piece of plastic wrap. Place another equal-sized piece of plastic over each and press to flatten slightly.
- With a rolling pin, gently roll a dough portion between plastic to form a square, roughly 9-by-12 inches in size and 1/3-inch thick, using plastic to contain it. If it becomes too thin or cracks, fold it back on itself and roll again, until the rectangle is even and smooth. Repeat with second half of dough.
- Use a 3-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter to cut eight circles from each dough rectangle (push together scraps and re-roll if necessary).
- Top four rounds with one fresh mozzarella slice each, trimming if necessary, leaving a ¼-inch edge. Dip a finger in water and wet the edges of each circle. Top with another circle of dough and gently press together to seal. Wrap arepas in plastic wrap, pressing out all cracks between the dough layers to help contain the cheese.
- TO COOK AREPAS: Heat a skillet lightly coated with oil over medium heat. Unwrap arepas and place four on skillet, frying 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until light brown. Don’t worry if they crack slightly. Remove from skillet to a plate or sheet pan, and repeat with remaining arepas.
- To serve, plate arepas with slaw on the side. Pass around with your favorite hot sauce.
Stylist Leslie Orlandini
Leslie Orlandini is a chef and an accomplished food stylist in print and television. She has been nominated for both James Beard and Emmy awards and is a veteran of thousands of cooking shows and segments. You can learn more about her through her website: http://leslieorlandini.com/
Photographer Mark Ferri
Mark Ferri is a graduate of Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif. He believes in a simple, direct approach that captures the natural beauty and appetite appeal of food. Mark celebrates a life-long passion for food by frequently exploring new restaurants in New York and in Europe, and loves to cook and entertain at his home in the Hudson Valley. Learn more about Mark on his website: http://www.markferriphoto.com/
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