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1/4 to 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for pan-frying
1 cup masa harina
1 tablespoon Essence, plus more for dusting
Pinch sugar
1 cup milk, hot
1 tablespoon bacon grease
1/2 cup grated queso blanco, or mozzarella, plus 1/4 cup for topping
1/3 cup chopped roast pork, or chopped smoked ham
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno or serrano peppers
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Sour cream, optional accompaniment
Heat about 1/4-inch of oil in a large, heavy skillet or saute pan over medium heat.
In a large bowl, combine the masa, Essence, and sugar. Whisk in the milk, using as few strokes as possible. Add the bacon grease, queso blanco, roast pork, jalapeno, and garlic and stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the dough. Bring together into a ball.
Using your hands, form the dough into smaller balls and form into smooth patties 4-inches in diameter, about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the arepas in batches until golden, about 6 minutes per side, turning and lowering the heat as necessary if they begin to brown too quickly, and pressing down with a spatula to flatten slightly as they cook. Remove and drain on paper towels, seasoning lightly with Essence. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed. Sprinkle each arepa with some of the remaining cheese and serve hot with the sour cream, if desired.
Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
Yield: about 2/3 cup
Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
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