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Arepas with Carnitas and Sweet Potato
Recipes
Arepas with Carnitas and Sweet Potato
16 servings
55 minutes total (Active 35 minutes)

Ingredients

  • 1 small red onion
  • ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 5 cups water
  • 4 cups precooked white cornmeal
  • 3 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • ¾ cup + 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 large sweet potato
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 (15.5 oz) can seasoned black beans
  • ¼ bunch fresh cilantro
  • 2 limes, for juice
  • ½ cup crema (or sour cream)
  • ½ cup salsa verde
  • 2 lb Deli mojo pork
  • 6 oz queso fresco

Steps

    1. Cut onion in half, then slice (about 1 cup). Place in bowl with vinegar. Let stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place water in microwave-safe dish; microwave on HIGH 1 minute or until warm. Combine cornmeal and 3 teaspoons salt; add to water and whisk until smooth. Let stand 10 minutes or until water is absorbed.
    2.  Divide cornmeal mixture into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten gently to create 1-inch-thick discs. Heat ¾ cup oil in large, heavy sauté pan on medium 3–4 minutes. Add arepas to pan (in batches, if needed); fry 6–7 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer arepas to paper towel–lined baking sheet; let stand 5 minutes to cool.
    3. Peel sweet potato and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups). Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place remaining 3 tablespoons oil in pan; add potatoes, pepper, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and tender. Remove potatoes and cover to keep warm.
    4. Meanwhile, drain beans and place in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30–60 seconds. Chop cilantro (¼ cup); juice limes (2 tablespoons). Combine in small bowl: crema, salsa, lime juice, and cilantro until blended. Shred pork (about 2 cups) and crumble queso fresco (about 1 ½ cups).
    5. Cut arepas, creating pockets; fill evenly with pork, potatoes, and beans. Drizzle with sauce and top with cheese and pickled onions. Serve.

Amount per 1⁄16 recipe serving: Calories 360, Total Fat 17g, Sat Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g, Chol 45mg, Sodium 1000mg, Total Carb 33g, Fiber 4g, Sugars 4g, Protein 20g, Calc 10%, Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 0%, Iron 10%