Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering fusion of flavors in our Pork and Avocado Stuffed Arepas! This Latin American delight is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings the vibrant tastes of the region right to your kitchen. With the savory goodness of Hatfield Quality Meats' perfectly cooked pork, creamy avocado, and a hint of fresh cilantro, these stuffed arepas are sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups arepa flour
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound Hatfield pork, cooked and shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: arepa flour, water, salt, cooked and shredded Hatfield pork, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of arepa flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Gradually add 2 cups of water to the flour mixture while stirring with a fork or your hands. Continue mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Once the dough is well combined, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate properly.
- While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked and shredded Hatfield pork, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a disc about ½ inch thick.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the arepas on the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Once the arepas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Then, use a sharp knife to slice each arepa in half, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Carefully spoon the pork and avocado filling into each arepa pocket, making sure to distribute the filling evenly among all the arepas.
- Serve the stuffed arepas warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pork and Avocado Stuffed Arepas!
Tips
- Perfect Dough Consistency: When mixing the arepa dough, aim for a texture that is moist but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until you achieve the right consistency.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for about 5 minutes is crucial. This step helps the flour fully hydrate, resulting in a softer arepa that holds up well to the filling.
- Cooking Temperature: Keep your skillet or griddle at medium heat. If the arepas are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to get creative with your filling! Add other ingredients like black beans, corn, or different types of cheese to customize your arepas to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your stuffed arepas with a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor. Garnishing with additional cilantro adds a fresh touch that enhances the overall presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
