Arepa Patties

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of water

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 1/2 cups masa harina (pre-cooked white maize meal)

• 1 teaspoon corn oil

Directions:

1. Wash your hands

2. In a medium bowl add water and salt.

3. Mix until the salt is dissolved.

4. Slowly add the harina.  Mix with your hands, making circular movements and breaking with your finger the lumps that may form.

5. Let rest 5 minutes to thicken.

6. Preheat a non-stick 11-inch square griddle over medium heat.  If you don't have a griddle you can use a skillet instead.

7. After 5 minutes add the oil to the dough and work it in with your hands for 2 minutes.  The dough should be firm enough that it holds its shape without cracking when molded.  If it is too soft add a little more of harina, if the dough is too dry or hard, add a little more water.

8. Form balls and flatten them gently until they're about 1/2 inch thick discs.

9. Place the discs on the preheated griddle and cook the arepas for 5-7 minutes on each side or until lightly golden brown.

10. Split each arepa in half.  Using a spoon, scrape out some of the excess dough.

11. Fill them with whatever you like!

12. Serve hot