Arepas, which are native to South America, particularly Colombia and Venezuela, and are eaten with every meal, are small corn cakes made from cornstarch and cooked over the stove on a wire rack (in Colombia) or baked (in Venezuela). Arepas can be eaten alone or stuffed with a delicious filling. Read the guide below to find out how to make Arepas with three different fillings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups / 235 grams cornstarch
- 2 cups / 250 ml water
- A little salt
- Oil
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Arepas
Step 1. Mix the ingredients
Place the cornstarch and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Use your fingers or a stirrer to smooth it out. Measure out the amount of warm water according to the recipe and slowly pour it into the flour mixture.
- Buy pre-cooked cornstarch such as Hrina P. A. N., which is a classic Venezuelan cornstarch. This flour is free of gluten and preservatives and is available in white and yellow.
- If cornstarch is not available in your home, you can replace it with ground cornstarch, just make sure that the flour has been cooked beforehand.
Step 2. Knead the dough
Use your hands to knead the dough and water to make a soft, pliable dough. Continue kneading until there are no lumps in the dough and the dough can be made into a full ball shape.
- If your dough is too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour and continue kneading again.
- If your dough breaks easily, add a tablespoon or two of warm water. Add water until the dough reaches the right texture.
Step 3. Shape the arepas
Take a small piece of dough with your hands and form it into a ball, then press it with your palm to form a circular sheet. It should be about 1/2 inch thick and 3 to 4 inch in diameter, depending on how large you want your arepas to be. Place the first arepa in the tray and continue to form the arepas until you run out of dough.
- If you want to save the arepas for later cooking, you can cover the tray with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.
- You can also freeze uncooked arepas. Wrap each arepas in plastic and place them in a tight container in the freezer. That way, your arepas will last for several months.
Step 4. Use a traditional wire rack, which will leave the arepas about 2.5 cm from the stove heater, to cook them the Colombian way
Step 5. To cook arepas the Venezuelan way, preheat your oven to 250°C
Preheat the oven when you are ready to cook the arepas, before you start frying them. The oven must be completely ready before you put the arepas in it.
Step 6. Fry the arepas
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, put some arepas in and let it sit until the outside is crispy, which is about 3-4 minutes. Turn it over and allow it to turn golden brown. Place in the grill tray and continue frying the remaining arepas.
Step 7. Roast the arepas
After all the arepas are fried and placed on the grill tray, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes. When you feel your arepas are ready, remove them from the oven and tap the top of the arepas. If it sounds like it's empty inside, then your arepas are ready to serve.
Step 8. Cut the arepas
Use a sharp knife to cut the arepas into two halves, then stuff your favorite food and enjoy.
Method 2 of 2: Filling Arepas
Step 1. Make the filling for breakfast
In Venezuela, arepas are often stuffed with meat and cheese for breakfast. Choose bacon and pair it with Guayane, Paisa or Duro cheese.
- If you can't find this typical Venezuelan cheese, you can use queso fresco or mozzarella cheese.
- For a less traditional but equally delicious filling, try the omelette and salsa.
Step 2. Make the filling for the snack
Arepas are often eaten without filling, or with a simple filling such as cheese as a snack. For a healthier snack, try these arepa fillings:
Chicken and avocado salad. Combine the minced chicken, mayonnaise, chopped onion, and chopped celery with salt and pepper. Put this salad in the arepa and add a few pieces of avocado, then cover the arepa. #*Black beans and salsa. Spread black bean paste or whole black beans on one side of the arepa, and sprinkle a layer of spicy salsa on top. You can also add a few pieces of cheese to make it more flavourful
Step 3. Make the arepas De Pabellón
After arepas, de Pabellón is the most famous dish in Venezuela. Arepas de Pabellón consists of the following ingredients:
- Shredded beef, black beans and fried plantains. This version is the most classic version.
- Sprinkle a fried egg and cheese over the bacon, beans and bananas to make it even more delicious.
