Arepas

Cornmeal flatbread you can make in under 30 minutes and enjoy with butter or fill like a sandwich

Course Breakfast, lunch, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Venezuelan

Keyword arepa

Prep Time 3

Cook Time 22

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 15kcal

Author Emma Chapman

Equipment

skillet

Ingredients

2 cups water warm
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal
1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

In a glass measuring cup, measure the water and add the salt. Stir to combine.
In a large bowl, add the precooked cornmeal and then pour in the salted water. Stir to combine, and you can do this with a large spoon or your clean hands. Mix until a soft dough forms. The arepa dough should easily hold together but not stick to your hands. If it seems to still be too sticky, add a little more precooked cornmeal.
Form 6-8 arepa patties from the dough using the palms of your hands to create a disk. I like a thinner arepa, so I tend to go for 8.
In a large cast-iron skillet, add the oil and heat over medium heat. Pan fry the arepas until toasted and golden brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes on each side. Depending on the size of your pan you may need to do this in batches. Then transfer to a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.
Cook arepas in the oven at 350°F for 15-16 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

If you are adding cheese to the centers, do so while you form the patties.

I mix a little yellow cornmeal in to my batter and also use it to dust the top and bottom of my arepas before pan frying. But this is optional! I just like the texture and color it adds.

I use vegetable oil or canola oil for frying. If you use an oil with more flavor (like coconut oil or olive oil), just know it will impact some of this flavor to your arepas.

If you want to make cheese-filled arepas, like many Colombians enjoy, you will need some shredded mozzarella cheese or other melting cheese and add 1-2 ounces to the center of these as you form the arepa patties.

Arepas are naturally gluten-free and vegan friendly.

Store any leftover arepas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Rewarm by toasting or pan frying.

Nutrition