Vegan Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese
Transform your dining table with this irresistible Vegan Arepa with Shredded "Beef" and Cheese, a plant-based twist on the traditional Latin American favorite. Crafted with golden, crispy arepas made from pre-cooked cornmeal and filled with savory jackfruit "beef" seasoned to perfection with smoked paprika, cumin, and soy sauce, this recipe is a flavor-packed delight. The creamy, homemade cashew cheese adds a rich and nutty finish, making each bite indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or a fun gathering, this vegan arepa recipe combines hearty textures, vibrant flavors, and nutrient-rich ingredients for a satisfying meal that meat-lovers and vegans alike will adore. It's easy to make, ready in just under an hour, and packed with plant-based goodness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pre-cooked cornmeal (harina de maiz)
- 2.5 cups Warm water
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 can (about 14 ounces) Canned young green jackfruit in brine
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 2 minced Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 cup, soaked for 2 hours Cashew nuts
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.75 cup Water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, warm water, and salt until a dough forms. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball into discs about 1/2 inch thick.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas on each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffy. Set aside.
Rinse and drain the jackfruit, then pat it dry with a clean cloth. Use your hands or a fork to shred the jackfruit.
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
Add the shredded jackfruit, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and ground cumin to the pan. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is flavorful and slightly caramelized.
For the cashew cheese, blend the soaked cashew nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and 0.75 cup of water in a blender until smooth and creamy.
To assemble, cut the arepas in half horizontally, keeping one edge intact to create a pocket. Fill each arepa with the shredded jackfruit mixture and a generous dollop of cashew cheese.
Optionally, return the filled arepas to the skillet to warm them up just before serving.
Serve immediately, enjoying your delicious vegan take on arepas with shredded beef and cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2034 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.1 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4511 mg | 196% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 382.7 g | 139% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.9 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.4 g | ||
| Protein | 50.9 g | 102% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 210 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2562 mg | 55% | |
*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.
