Arepas Filled with Beef
Category: Main Course
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White cornmeal | 320g |
| Water | 400g |
| Corn oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Beef (brisket or flank steak) | 1350g |
| Onions | 350g |
| Red bell peppers | 350g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Water | 500g |
| Rum | 40g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tbsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tbsp |
| Avocados | 2 |
| Lime juice | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Edam cheese (grated) | 120g |
| Fresh parsley | to taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinating the Beef
To start making these delicious beef-stuffed arepas, begin by preparing the marinade for the meat. Place the brisket (or your chosen cut of beef) in a dish and season it generously with salt, smoked paprika, and cumin. Massage the seasoning into the meat on all sides, ensuring it is well-coated. Let the beef marinate at room temperature for at least two hours to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
While the beef marinates, peel and chop the onions and red bell peppers into small cubes (about 5-6 pieces per vegetable). Set them aside for later use.
Step 3: Browning the Beef
After the marination time, heat a bit of extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef and sear it on all sides for about 10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and caramelized. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside for a moment.
Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add the crushed garlic clove and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor. Once the vegetables are tender, pour in the rum and let it cook off for about a minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This will create a flavorful base for your dish.
Step 5: Simmering the Beef
Return the beef to the pan and add the 500g of water. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the meat simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily shreds. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly and adding flavor to the sauce.
Step 6: Making the Arepas
While the beef is cooking, you can start preparing the arepas. In a mixing bowl, combine the water and salt. Gradually add the white cornmeal while stirring with your fingers to form a dough. Once mixed, divide the dough into 8 equal portions, about 90g each. Using your palms, shape each portion into a round disk approximately 1.5 cm thick. Arrange the formed arepas on a cutting board, ensuring they are all uniform in size.
Step 7: Cooking the Arepas
Heat a couple of tablespoons of corn oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the arepas in the skillet and cook them for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Set the cooked arepas aside.
Step 8: Shredding the Beef
Once the beef has finished cooking, remove it from the pan and place it in a bowl. Use two forks to shred the beef, discarding any fat or bones. Add the cooking liquid with the vegetables to the shredded beef to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 9: Preparing the Guacamole
To make the guacamole, slice the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl and mash it with a fork until smooth. Add the lime juice and a tablespoon of olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is well incorporated.
Step 10: Assembling the Arepas
Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your arepas. Carefully slice each arepa in half horizontally. Spread a generous amount of guacamole on the bottom half of each arepa, followed by a portion of the shredded beef mixture. Top with grated Edam cheese and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Enjoy!
These arepas filled with tender beef, smoky paprika, and fresh guacamole are a delightful main course. The combination of warm, crispy arepas with the savory beef and creamy guacamole is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
Tips:
- If you don’t have Edam cheese, you can substitute it with any mild, melty cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For added heat, try incorporating some chili flakes or jalapeños into the guacamole or the beef mixture.
- Arepas can be kept warm in a towel, or you can even reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
