**Arepas: A Taste of Venezuelan Tradition in Every Bite**
Arepas, the quintessential Venezuelan flatbread, are a culinary delight that has captured hearts worldwide. Made from finely ground maize flour, these versatile rounds serve as a blank canvas for a variety of fillings, from classic cheese and corn to shredded beef and black beans. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, arepas offer a unique taste experience that embodies the vibrant spirit of Venezuelan cuisine.
This article presents a culinary journey through the world of arepas, featuring three distinct recipes that showcase the diverse flavors and textures this dish has to offer. From the classic Arepas con Queso y Maíz (Cheese and Corn Arepas) to the hearty Arepas con Carne Mechada (Shredded Beef Arepas) and the vegetarian-friendly Arepas Reina Pepiada (Shredded Chicken and Avocado Arepas), each recipe promises a unique gustatory adventure.
1. **Arepas con Queso y Maíz (Cheese and Corn Arepas)**: This classic combination features a simple yet irresistible filling of gooey cheese and sweet corn, enveloped in a crispy, golden-brown arepa.
2. **Arepas con Carne Mechada (Shredded Beef Arepas)**: Slow-cooked, tender shredded beef takes center stage in this hearty and flavorful arepa, complemented by a rich tomato sauce and tangy avocado slices.
3. **Arepas Reina Pepiada (Shredded Chicken and Avocado Arepas)**: This Venezuelan twist on the classic chicken salad sandwich combines shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and a mayonnaise-based dressing, all nestled within a soft and fluffy arepa.
AREPAS WITH CHEESE AND CORN
Provided by Food Network
Time 55m
Yield 8 to 12 arepas
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Put cornmeal in a large bowl with salt and cheese. Put milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steam rises, then add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir into cornmeal mixture until a thick batter is formed. Fold in the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro and chile, if using.
- Let batter rest until it thickens into a soft dough, about 15 minutes. Gently form 3-inch to 4-inch balls from mixture and flatten with palm of your hand to a 1/2-inch-thick disk. (You can cover and refrigerate disks for a few hours if you like.)
- Heat oil in a large skillet and cook arepas, working in batches, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes on other side. When all arepas are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them through the middle. If desired, serve with butter or stuff with beans, vegetables or sour cream.
CHEESE-STUFFED AREPAS
Who knew that arepas were so simple? These delicious corn cakes take no time to make, and are infinitely adaptable. Experiment with toppings like fried eggs, guacamole and Cotija -- a dry and crumbly Mexican cheese.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 50m
Yield 8 arepas
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
- Stir together 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the corn meal into the water, using your fingers to stir and combine, until a soft and moist dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 8 golf ball-size balls and pat each into a patty about 5-inches wide and 1/4-inch-thick.
- Put a cube of mozzarella in the center of each patty. Fold the dough over the cheese, making sure the cheese is completely covered and sealed. Pat it back down until 3-inches wide and 1/2-inch-thick (see Cook's Note).
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook the corn patties, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side (making sure the oil is hot for each batch). Transfer to a cooling rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the edges are crisp and golden, about 10 minutes.
FRIED MASA CAKES WITH CHEESE (AREPAS DE QUESO)
Categories Milk/Cream Breakfast Fry Picnic Lunch Mozzarella Cornmeal Gourmet Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 12 arepas
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in butter.
- Combine arepa flour, salt, sugar, and mozzarella in a large bowl.
- Add hot milk and stir until combined. Let mixture stand until milk is absorbed enough for a soft dough to form, 1 to 2 minutes (dough will continue to stiffen).
- Form dough into 12 balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and flatten between palms into 3 1/2- to 4-inch patties (about 1/3 inch thick).
- Heat ‚ tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderately low heat until hot, then cook 3 or 4 arepas until cooked through and golden in patches, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Make more arepas in same manner, adding oil as needed.
AREPAS WITH CHEESE AND CORN
Steps:
- . Put cornmeal in a large bowl with salt and cheese. Put milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steam rises, then add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir into cornmeal mixture until a thick batter is formed. Fold in the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro and chili if using. 2. Let batter rest until it thickens into a soft dough, about 15 minutes. Gently form 3- to 4-inch balls from mixture and flatten with palm of your hand to a 1/2-inch-thick disk. (You can cover and refrigerate disks for a few hours if you like.) 3. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook arepas, working in batches, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes on other side. When all arepas are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them through the middle. If desired, serve with butter or stuff with beans, vegetables or sour cream. Yield: 8 to 12 arepas.
CORN AND CHEESE GRIDDLE CAKES (AREPAS)
These little Venezuelan griddle cakes, known as arepas in Spanish, can be eaten at any time of the day, topped with cheese, meat, chicken, or eggs. You can top them with roast pork or a spoonful of pico de gallo as a delicious side or tempting appetizer. You use nonstick cooking spray quite a bit for this, but I like to use an olive oil spritzer. Enjoy!
Provided by Nif_H
Categories Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Put the cornmeal and salt in a food processor and process until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the cheese and butter.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until almost boiling. Gradually stir enough of the milk into the cornmeal mixture to make a very thick batter. Stir in the corn.
- Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium heat. Drop half of the cornmeal mixture, 1 heaping tablespoon at a time, in 6 mounds in the skillet. Flatten slightly and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Spray the griddle cakes with nonstick spray and turn. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes, transferring them to a platter when they are done; keep warm. Repeat with the remaining cornmeal mixture to make a total of 12 griddle cakes. Serve with Pico de Gallo, if using.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 113.3, Fat 3.5, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 9.4, Sodium 205.9, Carbohydrate 16.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 2.3, Protein 5.5
AREPAS
Make and share this Arepas recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Midwest Maven
Categories Breads
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Put the cornmeal in a food processor and grind until fine.
- Put the cornmeal in a large bowl with the salt and cheese.
- In a small saucepan heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a steady simmer.
- Add the butter to the pan and stir until melted.
- Take pan off the heat and add to the cornmeal mixture to form a thick batter.
- Fold in the corn kernels.
- Let the batter rest about 15 minutes to thicken into a soft dough.
- Form 1 inch balls from the dough and flatten with the palm of your hand into 1/4 inch thick disks.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet and cook the arepas until golden brown, about 5 minutes on the first side and 3 minutes on the other, working in batches until done.
- Serve hot with butter.
COLOMBIAN AREPAS WITH HAM AND CHEESE
A favorite in Colombia these hot,toasted cakes of soft corn that are slightly sweet and salty! You will need a Cast Iron Skillet OR Flat-Top grill!
Provided by Timothy H.
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Making the Arepas:.
- I a large bowl combine masa with cheese,baking soda and salt. Slowly pour the warm water in and stir well. Using your hands,knead until smooth dough forms. Form into 6 even balls,flatten into circles, about 4 inches in diameter.In a cast iron skillet or flat top grill, melt half of the butter on medium heat.
- Working in batches,if necessary,cook Arepas until golden brown, about 3 minutes.Add remaining butter,turn Arepas and cook 2-3 minutes until golden. Set aside.
- Making the Sandwich:.
- Slice the arepas in half horizontally. Layer on the ham,cheese and tomato, season with salt and pepper. Top fixings with remaining Arepas halves. Heat half the butterin a skillet or flat top grill. Cook Arepas in batches,about 3 minutes, until golden. Add remaining butter,turn,cover and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and Arepasare golden. Serve with Salsa on the side.
Tips:
- To make the perfect arepa dough, use a combination of precooked cornmeal and all-purpose flour. This will give the arepas a slightly crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior.
- Be sure to knead the dough well until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to prevent the arepas from cracking or falling apart.
- When cooking the arepas, be sure to preheat the griddle or frying pan over medium heat. This will help to prevent the arepas from sticking.
- Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the arepas hot with your favorite fillings, such as cheese, corn, or beans.
Conclusion:
Arepas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a little practice, you can easily make perfect arepas at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting meal, give arepas a try!
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