Arepas

Arepas

Venezuelan arepas are thick, round corn cakes made from precooked corn flour, water and salt, cooked on a hot griddle until toasted outside and steamy inside, then split and filled.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Recipe ingredients

• •300 g (2½ cups) precooked corn flour (masa harina, e.g. P.A.N.), do not substitute regular cornmeal or cornstarch
• •400 ml (1⅔ cups) warm water, plus more as needed
• •1 tsp fine salt, or to taste
• •1 tbsp neutral oil or softened butter, optional, for dough
• •1 tbsp neutral oil or butter, for cooking
• •200 g (7 oz) shredded or sliced white cheese (e.g. queso fresco, mozzarella, or haloumi), for filling
• •200 g (7 oz) cooked black beans, for filling, optional
• •200 g (7 oz) shredded cooked beef, for filling, optional
• •1 whole ripe avocado, for filling, optional

Steps

1. 1 In a large bowl, combine the precooked corn flour and salt. Add the warm water and optional oil or butter. Mix with your hands until a soft, smooth dough forms. It should be moist but not sticky; if it cracks when you press it, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. Let rest for 5 minutes.
2. 2 Divide the dough into 8 equal portions (about 60 g each). Roll each into a ball, then flatten between your palms into discs about 1 cm (⅜ inch) thick and 7–8 cm (3 inches) wide. Smooth the edges with wet fingers.
3. 3 Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat. Brush with a little oil or butter. Cook the arepas in batches for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly puffed. They should sound hollow when tapped and feel firm. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat.
4. 4 For extra fluffiness, after griddling, transfer to a 200°C (400°F) oven for 5–10 minutes, or split and return to the griddle until the inside is steamy. The internal temperature should reach at least 90°C (194°F) for food safety.
5. 5 To serve, let cool for 2 minutes, then split horizontally with a knife, leaving one side attached like a pocket. Fill with cheese, black beans, shredded beef, and/or avocado. Serve warm.