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==
# Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / 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 7.5 cm / 3-inches in diameter and are about 18 mm / 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. 
Category:Masa Recipes
Category:Venezuelan Vegetarian