Description
Enjoy these authentic Colombian arepas made with pre-cooked cornmeal, a simple dough, and customizable fillings like queso fresco or mozzarella cheese. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Arepa Dough
- 2 cups arepa flour (masarepa) (Use pre-cooked cornmeal for best results.)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1.25 cups warm water (Hydrates the flour.)
- 2 tablespoons butter (Can substitute with vegan butter.)
Frying and Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Essential for frying.)
- 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella) (Feel free to use cheddar or gouda.)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of arepa flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups of warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rest dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Shape the arepas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten each ball into a disk about ½-inch thick.
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying.
- Cook the arepas: Carefully place the arepas in the hot skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Fill and serve: Remove arepas from skillet, allow to cool slightly, slice open, and fill each with 1 cup of cheese or your chosen filling. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) specifically made for arepas for the best texture.
- You can substitute butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- For fillings, try different cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or a vegetarian option for variations.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure a crispy exterior without burning.
- Arepas are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated on a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Colombian
Keywords: Colombian arepas, arepa recipe, cornmeal arepas, cheese arepas, easy snack, vegetarian Colombian food
