Easiest homemade Arepas and 10 other types

Arepas are a traditional dish that originated in Venezuela and Colombia, and have become increasingly popular in Latin American countries and worldwide. They are a type of flatbread made from pre-cooked cornmeal, salt, and water, and can be filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients. They are a staple of Latin American cuisine, often served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal.

Their versatility, delicious flavor, and ease of preparation have made them a beloved dish both in their country of origin and beyond. It can be customized to suit individual preferences, with a range of fillings such as cheese, shredded beef, black beans, or avocado. Whether you’re a fan of Latin American cuisine or looking to try something new, It’s  a must-try dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Recipe for easy homemade Arepas

Arepas are a versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and are commonly eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In Venezuela and Colombia, where they originate from, they are often consumed as a quick and easy breakfast food, especially in urban areas where people are in a rush to get to work or school.

They are also a popular lunch option, as they are easy to prepare and can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences.

In addition, they can be served as a snack or appetizer, and are often found at social gatherings such as parties and barbecues. They can also be a satisfying late-night snack or street food, with vendors selling freshly-made on the streets of many Latin American cities.

Overall, their versatility makes them a popular food choice for people of all ages and backgrounds, and they can be enjoyed in a variety of settings and occasions.

And here is the recipe to make a delicious Arepas at home

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of pre-cooked white or yellow cornmeal (also called masarepa)
• 2 cups of warm water
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
• Your choice of filling (such as cheese, shredded beef, black beans, or avocado)

Instructions:

1. Combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, salt, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
2. Gradually add warm water to the mixture while kneading the dough with your hands. Knead for about 5 minutes until you get a smooth and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and form them into small balls.
4. Flatten the balls with your hands to form discs that are about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches in diameter.
5. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
6. Place it in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and a crust forms on the surface.
7. Once they are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes, and then cut a small slit in the center to create a pocket for the filling.
8. Add your desired filling, such as cheese or shredded beef, to the pocket of each arepa.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Note: You can also add some milk or grated cheese to the dough to make it richer and more flavorful. Additionally, you can grill or bake them instead of pan-frying them if you prefer.

Different types of Arepas

There are many different types of arepas that can be found throughout Latin America, each with their own unique variations and regional specialties. Here are a few examples:

1. Arepas de huevo: These are a popular Colombian street food and are filled with a whole egg that is fried inside the arepa. The egg yolk is often left runny, creating a delicious and satisfying breakfast option.

   

2. Arepas dulces: These sweet are made with the same pre-cooked cornmeal base, but are filled with sweet ingredients such as cheese, condensed milk, or jam. They are often served as a dessert or a sweet snack.
3. Arepas rellenas: This type of arepa is filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as shredded beef, chicken, or pork, along with vegetables and cheese.

   

4. Arepas con queso: filled with grated cheese before being cooked, resulting in a deliciously cheesy and savory dish.
5. Arepas de choclo: They made with fresh corn kernels instead of pre-cooked cornmeal, giving them a slightly different texture and flavor. They are popular in Colombia and Ecuador.

   

6. Arepas de yuca: They are made with yuca (also known as cassava) instead of pre-cooked cornmeal, giving them a slightly different texture and flavor. They are popular in Colombia and other parts of South America.
7. Arepas con chicharrón: This type of arepa is filled with crispy pork belly or chicharrón, a popular ingredient in many Latin American cuisines.
8. Arepas de arroz: They are made with rice flour instead of pre-cooked cornmeal, resulting in a slightly different texture and flavor. They are popular in parts of Colombia and other Latin American countries.
9. Arepas de carne mechada: This type of arepa is filled with shredded beef that has been cooked low and slow until it is tender and flavorful. It is a popular dish in Venezuela.

   

10. Arepas de Camarones: are filled with shrimp that has been cooked with garlic and other seasonings. They are a popular dish in Colombia and other coastal regions of Latin America.

Some special things about Arepas

One of the special things about arepas is their versatility. While they are traditionally made with just three ingredients – pre-cooked cornmeal, salt, and water – they can be customized to suit individual preferences with a range of fillings. It can be filled with savory ingredients such as meat, cheese, avocado, black beans, and plantains, or they can be filled with sweet ingredients such as jam or condensed milk.

This makes it a popular and satisfying meal option for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a delicious dinner.

Another special thing about arepas is their texture. When cooked correctly, It develops a crispy outer crust and a soft, doughy interior. This makes them incredibly satisfying to bite into, and their unique texture sets them apart from other types of bread.

Finally, It has a rich cultural significance in Latin America. They are a staple food in countries like Venezuela and Colombia and are often enjoyed at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions.

In fact, preparing and serving arepas can be a social activity, with friends and family members coming together to share in the experience. The love and pride that people have for arepas is a testament to their importance in Latin American cuisine and culture.

Above are the best and most detailed Arepas recipes from La Pulperia. Hope you have more information after reading our sharing.

Author: Cloudela