Venezuelan Arepas Recipe – Soft, Delicious, and Perfect for Any Meal
Category: Breads & Doughs
Servings: 8
Venezuelan arepas are a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These golden, soft, and slightly crispy cornmeal cakes are incredibly versatile, allowing for endless filling combinations. Whether you stuff them with cheese, meats, or vegetables, arepas make for a satisfying and filling meal. This recipe takes you step-by-step through the process of creating the perfect Venezuelan arepas that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White cornmeal (farina di mais bianco) | 320g |
| Water | 400g |
| Corn oil (olio di semi di mais) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fine salt (sale fino) | 1 teaspoon |
| Corn oil for frying | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Pour in the water and add the fine salt. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the salt completely. The water should feel slightly salty, as it helps enhance the flavor of the arepas. Gradually add the white cornmeal (farina di mais bianco) into the salted water, stirring continuously with your hands. The key here is to add the flour bit by bit to prevent lumps from forming, allowing the dough to come together smoothly.
Step 2: Resting the Dough
Once all the flour is incorporated, continue mixing until you have a soft, smooth dough. Let the dough rest in the bowl for about 3 minutes. This rest period is essential because it allows the cornmeal to fully absorb the water, ensuring the dough is moist and the texture will be perfect when cooked.
Step 3: Shape the Arepas
After the dough has rested, it’s time to divide it. Separate the dough into 8 equal portions, each weighing approximately 90g. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a disk shape, about 1 inch thick. The edges of the arepas should be smooth, and they should have a round, uniform shape. If you prefer, you can make them slightly thicker for a fluffier interior.
Step 4: Cooking the Arepas
Heat 2 tablespoons of corn oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the arepas in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook each arepa for about 4 minutes on one side until they start to develop a golden-brown color and small darker spots begin to form. You’ll notice that the edges begin to crisp up while the center remains soft.
Step 5: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Using a spatula, flip the arepas over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. You should see the arepas slightly puffing up as they cook. They should be evenly golden-brown on both sides.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the arepas are done, remove them from the pan and let them cool for a minute. They are now ready to be split open and stuffed with your favorite fillings. Traditionally, Venezuelan arepas are filled with cheese, ham, avocado, or shredded beef, but feel free to get creative with your fillings!
Tips for the Perfect Arepas
- Consistency of dough: The dough should be soft and not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more cornmeal; if it’s too dry, add a splash more water.
- Cooking tip: Don’t rush the cooking process. Keep the heat medium to low to ensure that the arepas cook through without burning on the outside.
- Serving suggestions: Arepas are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheat them in a pan or oven for the best results.
How to Enjoy Arepas
- Breakfast: Fill them with scrambled eggs and cheese for a hearty breakfast.
- Lunch: Try them with chicken, shredded beef, or your favorite deli meats.
- Dinner: Make them a side dish with soups, stews, or grilled meats.
- Snacks: Serve them as an appetizer with guacamole, salsa, or dips of your choice.
These Venezuelan arepas are sure to become a family favorite, thanks to their crisp exterior and warm, tender interior. Whether you enjoy them with savory fillings or sweet ones, they are guaranteed to delight your taste buds every time you make them.
Let us know how you like to enjoy your arepas and share your favorite fillings with us at Love With Recipes.
