Description
Arepas are traditional Venezuelan cornmeal patties that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for stuffing with cheese, meat, or eggs.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masa arepa)
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Butter, cheese, meat, or eggs for filling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of warm water, mixing with your hands until a dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the water.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the arepas in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and have a crispy crust.
- Remove the arepas from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice each arepa in half horizontally, creating a pocket.
- Fill the arepas with your choice of butter, cheese, meat, or eggs.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Arepas can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as scrambled eggs and cheese for breakfast, or chicken breast, mozzarella, and tomato for lunch. For a quick dinner, try filling them with carne mechada, shredded flank steak. Serve with sweet, fried plantains for a complete meal. Arepas can also be baked or boiled for different textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arepa
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0