Description

A staple in Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine, arepas are delicious cornmeal cakes that can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with cheese. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they make a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients

1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 cups pre-cooked corn meal (white or yellow)
2 ½ cups warm water
4 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded, optional)
Vegetable oil (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the salt and cornmeal. Add the warm water and mix until a soft, moist dough forms.

3. Form the Arepas: Divide the dough into 8 even-sized balls, about 2 ½ tablespoons each. If making cheese-filled arepas, flatten each ball into a round disc about 5 inches wide. Place a heaping tablespoon of cheese in the center and fold the dough over, forming a ball around the cheese. For plain arepas, flatten the dough into discs about 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick.

4. Cook on the Stovetop: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the discs for 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

5. Bake in the Oven: Transfer the cooked arepas to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until the outside is crisp and golden.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
Total Time: 40 min
Kcal: Approximately 150 per arepa
Servings: 8

Notes

Serving Tips

Serve Warm: Arepas are best enjoyed warm. Serve them fresh off the skillet and oven to ensure they have the perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.
Pair with Dips and Sauces: Enhance the flavor by serving arepas with a variety of dips and sauces such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or aioli.
Side Dishes: Complement your arepas with side dishes like black beans, plantains, avocado salad, or a simple green salad to create a balanced meal.
Customizable Fillings: Set up a filling station with a variety of ingredients (cheeses, meats, veggies) so everyone can customize their arepas to their liking.
Brunch Option: Serve arepas as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a delightful and filling meal.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or a drizzle of lime juice to add a burst of freshness and color.
Beverage Pairings: Pair arepas with refreshing beverages like a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a tropical fruit juice.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze arepas. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Arepas can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat refrigerated or frozen arepas in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- Skillet: For a quick reheat, place the arepas in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
- Microwave: While not recommended for the best texture, you can reheat arepas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Avoid Sogginess: To prevent sogginess, reheat arepas in the oven or skillet rather than the microwave. This method helps retain their crispy texture.
Pre-made Dough: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shape and cook the arepas when you are ready to serve them.
Refrigerate Fillings Separately: If your arepas are filled with perishable items (like cheese or meat), store the fillings separately from the arepas and fill them just before serving.
Refresh Stale Arepas: If your arepas become stale, you can refresh them by lightly spraying with water and reheating them in the oven or skillet.