Arepas Recipe

Introduction

Arepas are a delicious and versatile staple from Latin America, made from simple ingredients like masarepa and water. These crispy, golden patties have a soft interior and can be enjoyed on their own or stuffed with your favorite fillings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups masarepa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2.5 cups warm water (or more as needed)
• Oil or butter for cooking (as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, and warm water. Mix thoroughly and let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: After resting, mix the dough again until smooth. It should feel like playdough and not stick to your hands. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water and mix again until smooth.
3. Step 3: Shape the dough by hand into 8-10 small patties, each about 4-5 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.
4. Step 4: Heat a grill pan or cast iron pan over medium heat and lightly oil or butter it. Cook the arepas for about 10 minutes total, turning until each side is golden brown and a crisp crust forms.
5. Step 5: (Optional) For a softer interior, you can finish cooking them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 8-10 minutes after pan-frying.
6. Step 6: Let the arepas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite fillings and toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm water to help the dough come together smoothly and improve the texture.
• For extra flavor, add a bit of grated cheese into the dough before cooking.
• Try stuffing arepas with ingredients like shredded chicken, avocado, or black beans after cooking.
• If dough feels sticky, dust your hands with a little masarepa to make shaping easier.

Storage

Store cooked arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan over medium heat or in the oven to restore their crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is masarepa?

Masarepa is pre-cooked white or yellow corn flour typically used to make arepas. It is different from regular cornmeal and essential for achieving the right texture.

Can I freeze arepas?

Yes, cooked and cooled arepas can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat them by pan-frying or baking to restore their crispy exterior.

Arepas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

Traditional Venezuelan arepas made from masarepa, salt, and warm water, cooked on a grill pan or cast iron skillet until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior. These versatile cornmeal patties can be served plain or filled with various savory ingredients.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 arepas 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Venezuelan
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Arepas Dough

• 2 cups masarepa (pre-cooked cornmeal)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2.5 cups warm water (or more as needed)
• Oil or butter for cooking (as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, and warm water. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients start to come together, then let the dough rest for 5 minutes to hydrate properly.
2. Knead Dough: After resting, knead the dough again until it becomes smooth and pliable. It should feel like playdough and not stick to your hands. If it feels too dry, gradually add a tablespoon of water and continue mixing until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Form Patties: Divide the dough and hand shape it into 8 to 10 small patties, each about 4 to 5 inches in diameter and approximately half an inch thick.
4. Cook Arepas: Preheat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil or butter the surface. Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown, crispy crust. The outside hardens while the interior remains soft or slightly hollow.
5. Optional Finishing: For extra crispiness, after pan frying, transfer the arepas to an oven or air fryer preheated to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Serve: Allow the arepas to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with fillings of your choice.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked masarepa (cornmeal) specifically meant for arepas, often labeled as P.A.N.
• The dough consistency is critical; too wet will make it hard to form patties, too dry will crack while cooking.
• Arepas can be cooked entirely on the stovetop or finished in the oven or air fryer for added texture.
• Leftover arepas can be stored and reheated by toasting or baking.
• Traditionally served with fillings like cheese, beans, shredded meat, or avocado.

Keywords: arepas, Venezuelan corn cakes, masarepa recipe, gluten free bread, cornmeal patties, easy arepas