Best Arepas Recipe 445 Recipes

HOW TO MAKE AREPAS (3 INGREDIENTS!)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Set out a baking sheet and line with parchment paper. And to a large mixing bowl, add water and salt. Stir to combine and dissolve salt.
• A little at a time, add the areparina and stir with a whisk or your hands (our preferred method). You may work your way all the way up to two cups, although we typically have 1-2 Tbsp leftover. You're looking for a dough that doesn't easily stick to your hands, is moldable and moist, and can be rolled into a ball. Once you have that consistency, cover with a towel for 5 minutes. We did mix both white and yellow areparina as inspired by Teote (optional).
• Uncover, grab a large handful of dough, and roll into a ball (as the recipe is written, our batch made 6 large arepas, but it could also make 8-10 smaller arepas).
• Carefully press the ball between the palms of your hands to form into a roughly 1/2-inch thick disc (for thinner, crispier arepas, press closer to 1/4 inch). If it cracks a lot on the sides, your dough may need 1-2 (15-30 ml) more water. A little cracking is OK - just use your hands to close the cracks by gently patting along the edges (see photo).
• Once the arepas are formed, heat a large cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little oil and swirl to coat. Then add arepas, giving them a little room in between so they don't touch. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until deep golden brown (a few blackened spots are OK). You're looking to form a crust. Then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more or until the underside is also browned.
• Transfer to your parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until slightly puffed up and a little more golden brown in color. Some people like to slice into them immediately, but I find they can be a little doughy in the middle at that stage, so I prefer to let them cool for 5-10 minutes and serve while they're warm but not piping hot.
• To enjoy, slice in half and enjoy as is, spread both sides with vegan butter and a little maple syrup (YUM), or cut the arepa 3/4 of the way around, leaving a seam on the edge so you can "stuff" it like a pita. Fillings could include everything from black beans to rice to guacamole or even our Vegan Barbacoa!
• Best when fresh. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month (cooked or uncooked). Reheat in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven until warmed through. If reheating frozen uncooked arepas, I'd recommend letting them thaw first and cooking them as instructed.

HOMEMADE AREPAS

Steps:

• Stir water and salt together in a bowl. Gradually stir corn meal into water with your fingers until mixture forms a soft, moist, malleable dough.
• Divide dough into 8 golf ball-size balls and pat each one into a patty about 3/8-inch thick.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook corn patties in hot oil until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain until cool enough to handle.
• Slice halfway through each cake horizontally with a thin serrated knife to form a pita-like pocket.

COLOMBIAN CORN AND CHEESE AREPAS

Steps:

• Combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add 3 cups warm water, mixing with your fingers, then work in 4 tablespoons of the butter. Knead to a soft dough.
• One cup at a time, knead in the cheese. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water if the mixture seems dry. Taste the dough (some cheeses are very salty), then knead in salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Continue kneading until the dough feels soft and smooth, with no lumps. Set aside to rest for at least 15 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.
• Heat the broiler or a grill over high heat. Divide dough into 11 portions, roughly 5 ounces or 1/2 cup each. Roll into balls between your palms and set aside on a tray covered with a damp kitchen towel. Flatten each ball into a thick circle, 3 1/2 inches in diameter, flat on both sides. Return to tray and keep covered.
• Line broiler or grill rack with aluminum foil and brush foil lightly with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange arepas on foil and cook about 4 inches from the heat source, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and speckled - about 10 minutes per side. Serve immediately, for breakfast (like corn muffins) or as an accompaniment to soups or stews (like corn bread).