Basic Arepas

Ingredients

 * 600ml/20fl.oz.. Warm water
 * ½ teasp salt
 * 450g/1lb masa harina flour
 * oil for shallow frying

Directions

 * Preheat the oven to 200C, 400F, Gas Mark 6.


 * Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a stiff dough.
 * Leave to stand for 5 minutes.


 * Knead the dough for a couple of minutes then form into 8 balls.
 * Flatten with the palm of your hand so they measure about 7.5cm/3-inches in diameter and are about 18mm/¾-inch thick.


 * Heat a little oil in a large frying pan, add the arepas and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until crisp and golden, turning 3 or four times.


 * Remove them from the pan and drain on kitchen paper then transfer to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.