Venezuelan Arepas
Transport your taste buds to Venezuela with these authentic, golden-brown arepas, a beloved South American staple that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with just four simple ingredients—pre-cooked white cornmeal, warm water, salt, and a touch of vegetable oil—this gluten-free recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for any meal of the day. The secret lies in achieving the perfect dough texture: soft, pliable, and easy to shape into thick, round disks that develop a perfectly crisp crust when pan-fried. For an extra layer of flavor and a fluffy interior, finish them in the oven to ensure they’re cooked through. Split them open and stuff them with your favorite fillings, from creamy avocado and black beans to savory pulled pork or melty cheese. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack, Venezuelan arepas are endlessly customizable and guaranteed to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (harina PAN or similar)
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and salt. Stir until the salt dissolves.
Gradually add the pre-cooked white cornmeal to the water, mixing with your hands to avoid lumps. Knead the dough lightly until it is smooth and soft. The dough should not stick to your hands but should hold its shape.
Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to fully hydrate.
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it between your hands to form disks approximately 4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
Place the arepas on the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a golden crust forms. Flip them carefully to ensure even cooking.
Once both sides are golden, you can transfer the arepas to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through (optional but recommended).
Remove the arepas from the oven and let them cool slightly before handling. They should sound hollow when tapped.
Slice the arepas partway open and stuff them with your favorite fillings such as shredded cheese, pulled meat, black beans, avocado, or scrambled eggs.
Serve immediately and enjoy your freshly made Venezuelan Arepas!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1080 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.6 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1180 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 189.6 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 16.8 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 360 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.
