Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef
Satisfy your cravings with this healthier twist on a Venezuelan classic—Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef! Crafted with light and airy arepas made from precooked white cornmeal and just a touch of olive oil, this recipe keeps things low-fat without compromising on flavor. The filling features tender, slow-simmered extra-lean beef chuck infused with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic, all cooked with a medley of fresh vegetables for a hearty, savory experience. Perfect for meal preps or a weekend treat, these arepas can be easily customized with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Ready in just a few simple steps, this naturally gluten-free recipe is a wholesome, protein-packed delight for lunch, dinner, or anytime hunger strikes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (Harina PAN)
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound extra-lean beef chuck
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, chopped green bell pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons oregano
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped optional, fresh cilantro
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked white cornmeal with warm water and salt.
Stir the ingredients until the dough is smooth and can be shaped. If too wet, add a little more cornmeal; if too dry, add a bit more water.
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a disc about ½-inch thick.
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil.
Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden crust. They should sound hollow when tapped.
Set the arepas aside while preparing the beef.
Trim any visible fat from the beef chuck, then cut it into large chunks.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the beef, low-sodium beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, cumin, oregano, and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Remove the beef from the pot and shred using two forks.
Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the remaining liquid and vegetables.
Slice the arepas in half horizontally, creating a pocket or sandwich style, and fill with a generous amount of the shredded beef mixture.
Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your low-fat arepas with shredded beef!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
340 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.7 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 237 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.9 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 24.2 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 398 mg | 8% | |
*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.
