Colombian Arepas
Discover the irresistible charm of Colombian arepas, a traditional and versatile comfort food made from just a handful of simple ingredients. Crafted with precooked white cornmeal (masarepa), these golden, slightly crispy corn cakes are easy to prepare with a quick 15-minute dough preparation. Whether served plain, stuffed with melty cheese, or topped with avocado and shredded meat, arepas offer a delightful blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Perfect for breakfast, a light snack, or even a side dish, these gluten-free delights are cooked on a skillet to achieve a golden exterior and a soft, tender center. Explore the authentic taste of Colombia in every bite and make these arepas your new go-to recipe for quick, satisfying meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (masarepa)
- 2 cups warm water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for cooking)
- 0.5 cups cheese (optional, shredded or crumbled)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked white cornmeal and salt.
Gradually add the warm water to the bowl, stirring with your hands or a spoon to form a soft dough.
If using cheese, mix it into the dough until evenly distributed.
Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes to hydrate fully.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disk about 4-5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. If desired, lightly grease the surface with butter.
Place the arepas on the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to press them gently for even cooking.
Transfer the cooked arepas to a plate and serve warm. They can be enjoyed plain, or sliced open and filled with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or shredded meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1210 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.8 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1541 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.6 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 33.3 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 403 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 43 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
