Arepas!

No photos this time (to be honest, after making them i gorged on the and my flatmates helped out, so no time to take pics...).

ingredients:
300 ml warm water
1/4 teaspoon salt (i added more, but i love salt. my doctors don't like this fact).
225g masa harina flour
100g manchego (can use generic cheese if you prefer).
oil for frying.

these are incredibly simple to make, even for a slacker like me.

mix salt and flour together. slowly add water, kneading with hands until you get a thick dough. you have to get a bit dirty. then add the cheese. heat the oil, and pan fry for a few (3 or so) minutes each side. (and don't set off fire alarm like i did)

and that's it!

i served mine with some fresh cherry tomatoes from my mother's garden that were a great addition. another alternative is to make a hole in the middle and crack an egg into it. if you choose to do this, cook them for 2 minutes each side to have a crust form, and then make the hole before putting in the egg, and then put them back in the pan for 2 minutes each side.

if anybody has any other suggestions i'd love to hear them. turns out i've rekindled my love affair with masa harina all over again!