Arepitas With Chimichurri And Queso Fresco Recipe

Experience a taste of Latin America with this vibrant recipe for Arepitas, savory corn fritters, topped with zesty chimichurri sauce and creamy queso fresco! Inspired by Susanna Goihman of Azafran Restaurant in Philadelphia, these delightful tapas are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make, flavor-packed arepitas. Share your culinary creations with us!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 375.8 kcal
Protein 15g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Arepitas With Chimichurri And Queso Fresco

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Arepitas With Chimichurri And Queso Fresco

  • Spanish Onion
  • ¼ cup olive oil, for chimichurri
  • Lime Juice
  • Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley
  • Fresh Cilantro Leaves
  • Fresh Oregano
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Jalapeno
  • Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Cornmeal
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Fine Salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • Milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying
  • 4 ounces queso fresco, crumbled

How to Make Arepitas With Chimichurri And Queso Fresco

  1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Form the dough into small patties (about 2 inches in diameter).
  4. Carefully place the arepitas in the hot skillet, flattening them slightly with a spatula.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more oil to the pan as needed.
  6. While the arepitas cook, prepare the chimichurri: In a small bowl, combine the cilantro, parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  7. Once the arepitas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Serve the arepitas immediately, topped with the chimichurri sauce and crumbled queso fresco.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

22 g

Sugar

5g

Fat

23g

Carbs

12g