Cachapa is an elaboration of tender corn that is ground and to which milk, egg, salt, sugar, and sometimes wheat flour are added. It is a typical recipe from some Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador or Costa Rica. The Cachapa voice comes from the indigenous Chaima, from the town of this name settled in the surroundings of what is now known as Cariaco, in the Sucre state of Venezuela. Cachapa with cheese is one of the most traditional dishes in this country .
This sweet dough is spread on a budare – a cast iron plate that is placed directly over the fire, similar to the Mexican comal – and is cooked on both sides. The appearance is that of a pancake, but the taste is completely different. In Venezuela you can eat in restaurants and in beach bars, and it is also done at home. The cheese that is put on it is the so-called hand cheese, a very soft fresh cheese . An alternative can be Latin cheese or fresh mozzarella.
Ingredients:
How to prepare a cachapa with cheese:
- Thaw the corn, drain it very well and put it in the blender glass.
- Add the milk, sugar, salt, and cornmeal .
- Blend until you get a homogeneous mass , although it is good that it has some lumps.
- Incorporate the eggs and butter , blend again to integrate everything.
- The dough should be thick and lumpy . If it is not yet thick enough, you can add the wheat flour, or more corn flour , until it is thick and costs more to move .
- Put the dough in a covered container and let it rest for half an hour in the fridge .
- Heat a griddle or non-stick pan very well , lower the heat to medium.
- Grease with a little butter.
- With a ladle, pour the dough onto the plate and shape it with the ladle . Ideally, they should have a diameter of 12-14 cm, and not be too thin .
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes and turn with a spatula very carefully so that the dough does not fall apart. Cook 3 more minutes and remove .
- Repeat the operation with all the dough.
- Cut the cheese into large, thick slices.
- To serve, place a slice of cheese on each cachapa and fold in half .
When you prepare this delicious cachapa with cheese, put a nut of butter on top so that the residual heat covers it. It is an exquisite dish that will surprise you.
