Aqui, todo tipo de receita tem espaço!
Traditional Arepas: Flavor and Tradition in Every Bite
Prep
20 min
Cook
30 min
Total time
50 min
Yield
4 servings
Difficulty
EASY
Calories
200 kcal

Quick summary

“Traditional recipe for arepas with an accentuated flavor and easy to prepare. It is a delicious option for healthy meals.”

What you need to know

  • 20 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Varied fillings to personalize the flavor.
  • The arepa is a versatile dish that can be made in smaller quantities and frozen.
  • The arepa can be filled with different ingredients to create a variety of flavors.
  • The preparation is easy and can be done at home.

Ingredients

Main

  • 2 cups of precooked cornmeal
  • 2 cups of warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Oil for greasing the skillet
  • Fillings to taste (cheese, shredded meat, avocado, etc.)
  • For extra flavor, add seasonings to the dough, such as cumin or garlic powder.
  • Try different fillings: meat, chicken, vegetables, or just cheese.
  • Arepas can be frozen raw; thaw before cooking.
  • Cook over low heat to ensure a very tender interior.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the arepas.

Instructions

Principal

  1. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal with the salt.
  2. Add the warm water gradually, stirring until you get a homogeneous dough.
  3. Deixe a massa descansar por 10 minutos.
  4. Divide the dough into portions by taking a ball and flattening it to form a disc approximately 1.5 cm thick.
  5. Preheat the non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease lightly with oil.
  6. Cook each arepa for about 5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
  7. When the arepas are ready, remove them from the skillet and make a cut on the side.
  8. Fill with the chosen ingredients and serve hot.

Chef's tips

  • Divide the dough into portions to make it easier to form the arepas.
  • Cook the arepas over low heat to ensure a very soft interior.
  • Use a cut on the side of the arepas to facilitate filling.

Variations

  • Add cumin for a stronger flavor.
  • Replace the cheese with ham.
  • Add avocado to the filling.

Substitutions

  • Replace cornmeal with wheat flour.
  • Substitute the warm water with hot water.
  • Replace the oil with butter.

How to store

  • The arepas can be kept in a tightly closed container for up to 3 days.
  • Frozen arepas are a great option for future meals.

Can it be frozen?

  • Arepas can be frozen before being cooked.
  • Divide the dough into portions and cook in smaller batches to prevent the arepas from breaking.
  • Thaw the arepas before cooking.

What to serve with

  • Serves well with beans, rice, or Farofa.
  • The cheese can be served on the side of the arepas.
  • Add a tomato sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How can I fill the arepas?

You can stuff the arepas with cheese, shredded meat, avocado, or any other ingredient you like.

Can arepas be made with other types of flour?

Yes, you can use wheat flour instead of corn flour. But the flavor may be slightly different.

How can I make the arepas crispier?

To make the arepas crispier, you can increase the cooking time by 5 minutes and increase the heat a little before the end of the cooking time.

Do arepas freeze well?

Yes, arepas can be frozen before being cooked. Divide the dough into portions and cook in smaller batches to prevent the arepas from breaking.

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