Cheese-Stuffed Yuca Arepitas

Ingredients

• 1 lb Yuca (Peeled and cut into pieces)
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 0.5 lb Costeño cheese (Crumbled or grated)
• Queso pera (For stuffing; use approximately 100 g, cut into cubes or strips)
• Salt (To taste)
• Black pepper (To taste)
• Banana leaf (For wrapping or placing underneath the arepitas during cooking)

Steps

1. 1

   Peel the yuca, remove the central fiber, and cut it into medium-sized pieces. Place it in a pot, cover it with water, and add a pinch of salt.

2. 2

   Cook the yuca over medium-high heat until completely tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 20 minutes. Drain it very well and let it release excess steam.

3. 3

   Transfer the hot yuca to a bowl and mash it until you obtain a smooth purée, with no large pieces or fibers.

4. 4

   Add the butter, crumbled costeño cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix and knead until a uniform, workable dough forms; if it is too dry, continue kneading while the yuca is still warm.

5. 5

   Divide the dough into approximately six portions. Form each portion into a ball, flatten it in the palm of your hand, place queso pera in the center, and close the dough around the filling. Carefully flatten it again to form evenly thick arepitas, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered.

6. 6

   Clean the banana leaves and cut them into pieces large enough to cover the base of the arepitas. Heat a griddle, heavy skillet, or comal over medium heat and place the banana leaves on the surface.

7. 7

   Place the arepitas on the banana leaf and cook them on both sides until firm, slightly golden on the outside, and hot in the center, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side. If necessary, cook them in batches so they are not crowded.

8. 8

   Serve the arepitas hot, while the cheese filling is still soft and melted.

Notes

The publication provides the ingredients but does not include quantities for the queso pera, salt, or pepper, nor visible preparation instructions. The quantities for those ingredients and the cooking method are estimates based on the traditional preparation of yuca arepitas. Handle the yuca carefully while it is hot to obtain dough that is easier to shape.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• snack
• snack
• Colombian
• cheese-stuffed
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• griddle-cooked