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Ultra-Cheesy Arepas with Date and Olive Spread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 46 reviews
  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 arepas)
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Description

These Ultra-Cheesy Arepas with Date and Olive Spread combine the rich, melty goodness of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with a uniquely flavorful spread made from green olives, sweet dates, and fresh herbs. The arepas are pan-fried to a golden crisp and finished in the oven, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior and gooey cheesy interior, perfect for a satisfying snack or meal.

Ingredients

Date and Olive Spread

  • 1 cup green olives, pitted (160g) (Castelvetrano or Cerignola recommended)
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped dates, pitted (70g) (recommended Medjool)
  • 1 medium garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped parsley leaves (12g)
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped basil leaves (12g) or use 1/2 cup parsley
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt, if needed

Arepas

  • 2 cups pre-cooked white or yellow cornmeal, such as P.A.N. (320g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups warm water (plus more as needed)
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar, grated, divided (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack, grated (about 3/4 cup)
  • Neutral oil like vegetable or canola, as needed

Instructions

  1. Make the Date and Olive Spread: Add the olives and dates to a food processor and pulse until a chunky paste forms. Add the garlic, parsley, basil, and anchovies, and pulse again while slowly adding the olive oil until the paste is spreadable but still slightly coarse. Taste and season with kosher salt if needed. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 300ºF (150ºC) and position a rack in the center.
  3. Form the Arepa Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal and kosher salt. Add 2 cups of warm water and mix with your fingers until a soft, moist dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together when squeezed.
  4. Add Cheese to Dough: Mix 4 oz (about 1 1/2 cups) of the grated sharp cheddar into the dough evenly. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and let rest for 5 minutes. Combine the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in a separate bowl.
  5. Shape the Arepas: Divide the dough into 8 golf ball-sized rounds. Place a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment on a work surface. Flatten each ball into a 5-inch wide, 1/4-inch thick patty using your fingers.
  6. Assemble the Filled Arepas: Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the date and olive spread in the center of one dough disk, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around. Sprinkle 1/4 of the remaining cheese over the spread, keeping the border clear. Top with a second disk and press edges thoroughly to seal. Press down to flatten and even out edges. Repeat with remaining dough balls. Chill the assembled arepas for 20 minutes.
  7. Pan-Fry the Arepas: Heat a 12-inch cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat and add about 1/8-inch neutral oil. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add arepas in batches as needed. Cook, moving them occasionally, until the first side is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until the second side is golden, about 3 to 4 minutes longer.
  8. Finish in Oven: Transfer the cooked arepas to a cooling rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and place in the preheated oven to keep warm while cooking remaining batches.
  9. Serve: Serve the arepas hot with any leftover date and olive spread on the side for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can omit anchovies in the spread for a milder flavor.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip anchovies entirely.
  • Use warmed water to help the cornmeal hydrate properly and form an easy-to-work dough.
  • Pressing the edges of the arepas carefully is key to prevent leakage of the cheese and spread during cooking.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs depending on availability, such as replacing basil with extra parsley.
  • Adjust the oil amount for frying based on your skillet size and preference to avoid overly greasy arepas.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven for a crisp finish.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/ultra-cheesy-arepas-with-date-and-olive-spread-recipe/