Black Beans & Cheese Arepas

Ingredients

• 2 cups masarepa (precooked corn flour)
• 2½ cups warm water
• 1 cup grated melting cheese
• 12 oz Black Beans, cooked and seasoned
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 avocado, mashed with lime
• Cilantro and hot sauce

Method

1. Mix the masarepa with warm water and a big pinch of salt into a smooth dough; rest 5 minutes. It should feel like soft play-dough — add water if it cracks.
2. Pat into disks and cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium until a deep golden crust forms, 5–6 minutes a side.
3. Split each arepa like a pocket and stuff with cheese, warm Black Beans, and avocado.
4. Return to the pan for a minute so the cheese melts. Serve with hot sauce and cilantro.