Basic Arepas

Ingredients

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

Directions

 * 1) Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / gas mark 6.
 * 2) Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a stiff dough.
 * 3) Leave to stand for 5 minutes.
 * 4) Knead the dough for a couple of minutes then form into 8 balls.
 * 5) Flatten with the palm of your hand so they measure about 7.5 cm / 3-inches in diameter and are about 18 mm / ¾-inch thick.
 * 6) 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.
 * 7) 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.