Meat Arepas

Ingredients

 * 1 tbsp Oil
 * 100g/4oz Minced Beef
 * 100g/4oz Minced Pork
 * ½ Onion, chopped
 * 1 small Garlic Clove, crushed
 * 1 small Green Chilli, finely chopped
 * 1 large Tomato, chopped
 * ¼ teasp Ground Cumin
 * ½ teasp freshly chopped Thyme
 * Salt
 * ½ tbsp Capers
 * For the dough
 * 300ml/10fl.oz. Warm Water
 * ¼ teasp Salt
 * 225g/8oz Masa Harina Flour

Directions

 * Preheat the oven to 200C, 400F, Gas Mark 6.
 * Heat oil in a medium saucepan, add the meat, onions, garlic, chilli, tomato, cumin, thyme, and salt, and cook over a medium heat, for 30 minutes, stirring from time to time.


 * Meanwhile, 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 4 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.


 * Stir the capers into the meat mixture.


 * To serve – split the Arepas in two, place on serving plates and top with the meat mixture. Serve very hot.