Arepa Recipe from Colombia
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
18 mins
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Total Time
28 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
238 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
Arepa Recipe from Colombia
Description
Arepa Recipe from Colombia uses white cornmeal mixed with warm water, salt, shredded mozzarella cheese, and softened butter to form a dough. The dough is divided into sections, rolled into balls, then flattened into half-inch thick discs, ensuring edges are sealed to prevent cracking. Cooking over moderate heat on a greased cast iron skillet or electric griddle forms a golden crust on both sides. The cheese within adds moisture and richness to the cornmeal base.
The preparation focuses on maintaining dough moisture and careful cooking to achieve arepas with a tender interior and crisp exterior. The use of mozzarella cheese as a substitute for traditional Colombian cheeses provides accessibility while preserving the mild, creamy flavor typical of the dish.
Arepas made this way can be served plain or sliced open and filled with savory or sweet ingredients as preferred. Their neutral flavor and filling flexibility make them suitable for breakfast, snacks, or as sides alongside main courses.
To avoid dough cracking, dipping fingers in water while smoothing edges before cooking helps maintain integrity. Warm water when mixing the dough enhances pliability. The recipe suggests resting the dough briefly to allow hydration and easier shaping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white cornmeal or arepa flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups water warm
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese 4 oz (or another white cheese. Traditional choices are queso campesino or queso costeño, shredded
- 3 tbsp butter softened, divided
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place 2 cups white cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, 2 cups water, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 2 tbsp of butter. Use your hands to mix the dough thoroughly. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Separate the dough into 8 sections and roll each section into a ball. Press the ball flat in your hand until about ½” thick. Press the edges with your hands so that no cracks form.
- Warm a cast iron skillet or an electric griddle and then grease with 1 tbsp of butter.
- Place four arepas in the pan and cook over low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes until brown. Then flip and heat on the other side for about 3-4 minutes, or until a crust is formed on both sides.
Notes
- Use warm water to make the dough easier to shape and less prone to cracking.
- Seal edges carefully to avoid cracks that could break during cooking.
- If cracks appear while cooking, moisten fingers slightly to smooth and repair the dough.
- Mozzarella cheese serves as an accessible substitute for traditional Colombian cheeses like queso campesino or costeño.
- Rest the dough covered for about five minutes to improve texture before shaping arepas.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 238kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 417mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 188mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 226IU | 5% |
| Calcium | 78mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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