Authentic Homemade Arepas Recipe

Name: Authentic Homemade Arepas Recipe
Total time: 30 mins
Ingredients: 2.5 cups lukewarm water; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (such as P.A.N.®); 0.25 cup vegetable oil, or as needed

My first encounter with arepas was at a hidden gem in New York City, and I immediately fell in love with this versatile white corn cake. After just a few bites of my first arepa – filled with black beans, beef, sweet plantains, and salty cheese – I knew I had to learn how to make them myself. Arepas are a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of fillings. I chose spicy pork and creamy avocado, and then a few days later I made a batch with caramelized plantains and tangy goat feta cheese.

Total time30 mins
Prep time10 mins
Cook time20 mins
Yield8 arepas, 8

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Servings

Ingredients

2.5 cups lukewarm water
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (such as P.A.N.®)
0.25 cup vegetable oil, or as needed

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine water and salt. Slowly incorporate cornmeal, using your fingers to mix until a soft, moist, and malleable dough forms.
Shape the dough into eight 2-inch balls. Flatten each ball into a patty about 3/8-inch thick to create the arepa shape.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the arepas in batches until they reach a golden brown color, approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Place the cooked arepas on a plate lined with paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
Using a thin, serrated knife, slice each arepa horizontally halfway through to create a pocket, similar to a pita.
Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade arepas!

Nutrition

Calories: 96 kcal
Fat Content: 1 g
Fiber Content: 1 g
Sodium Content: 293 mg
Protein Content: 2 g
Carbohydrate Content: 20 g
Saturated Fat Content: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g