Description
These Arepas Recipe are made with just three ingredients: white corn meal, water and salt.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups white corn meal (I use P.A.N brand)
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
- Filling: Carnitas, scrambled eggs, queso fresco or reina pepiada (recipe below)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Set a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the water and salt, until the salt dissolves.
- Slowly add the white corn flour and mix with a wooden spoon. Eventually, you will mix with your hands as you keep adding white corn flour. You do not want the dough to stick to your hands. If it is too dry, add more water. If it is too wet, add more flour. Usually it is equal parts water and white corn flour.
- Make a ball of dough with your hands and with your hand start molding the flour to make a saucer shape the size of the palm of your hand, about ¼ inch thick. If it cracks on the sides, you may need to add more water.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Add the seared arepas onto the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until they puff up and more golden.
- Slice the arepas and fill them with your favorite filling. This could be scrambled eggs or carnitas.
- (optional) My favorite filling is the reina pepiada. This is a mixture of 1 cup of shredded chicken and a whole mashed avocado mixed together.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cornmeal: Use pre-cooked cornmeal specifically labeled as "masa harina" for making arepas. This type of cornmeal has been treated and is ideal for achieving the right texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Dough Consistency: When mixing the cornmeal with water or other liquids, gradually add the liquid and mix until you achieve a dough that holds together without being too dry or too sticky. Adjust the consistency by adding more cornmeal or liquid as needed.
- Rest the Dough: After mixing the dough, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cornmeal to fully absorb the liquid and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Shape the Arepas: Divide the dough into portions and shape them into discs or patties. Use your hands to form smooth and even rounds. If the dough is sticky, wet your hands with water or oil to prevent sticking.
- Use High Heat: Preheat the griddle or skillet on medium-high to high heat before cooking the arepas. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.
- Cook with Oil or Butter: Lightly brush the griddle or skillet with oil or butter to prevent the arepas from sticking and to enhance their flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Leave enough space between the arepas on the griddle or skillet so they cook evenly and don't stick together. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Flip with Care: When it's time to flip the arepas, use a spatula and handle them gently to avoid breaking them. Cook for an equal amount of time on both sides until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Finish Cooking in the Oven (Optional): If you find that the arepas are browning too quickly on the outside but are still undercooked inside, you can transfer them to a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to finish cooking.
- Slice Carefully: Once the arepas are cooked and slightly cooled, use a serrated knife to slice them open horizontally. Be careful not to cut all the way through to ensure a pocket for stuffing with your desired fillings.
- Be Creative with Fillings: Arepas can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, beans, avocado, eggs, and vegetables. Explore different flavor combinations to suit your taste preferences.
- Experiment with Toppings: Serve arepas with a variety of toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, or chopped herbs to add freshness and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Colombian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 122.2
- Sugar: 0.0 g
- Sodium: 779.1 mg
- Fat: 0.0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.6 g
- Fiber: 0.0 g
- Protein: 2.2 g
