Arepas Recipe (How to Make Arepas)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Servings
10
-
Calories
83 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Appetizer
-
Cuisine
Venezuelan, Colombian
Arepas Recipe (How to Make Arepas)
Description
Arepas are made by mixing masarepa, salt, and warm water to form a soft dough with a playdough-like consistency that doesn't stick to hands. The dough is divided and shaped into 8–10 patties around 4–5 inches in diameter and about half an inch thick. These are cooked on a medium-heat grill or cast iron pan greased with oil or butter until golden brown on each side, usually about 10 minutes total. A crisp exterior forms while the interior remains soft or hollow.
Arepas are traditional in Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine, with slight differences in thickness and cooking. They can be eaten as is, with butter, cream, or topped with favorite meats and cheeses. Adding shredded cheese to the dough is a common variation for extra flavor.
Alternative cooking methods include finishing on a 177°C oven or air fryer for several minutes to ensure the interior cooks through and achieve desired texture. Arepas offer a filling side or bread substitute suitable for breakfasts, snacks, or meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masarepa
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2.5 cups water or more as needed, warm
- oil as needed, or butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Combine the masarepa, salt and water together in a mixing bowl. Mix well and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Mix the dough again until smooth. It should have the consistency of playdough and not stick to your hands. If it is too dry, add a tablespoon of water and mix until smooth.
- Hand form the arepas dough into 8-10 small patties, about 4-5 inches across and ½ inch thick.
- Heat a grill pan or cast iron pan to medium heat and lightly oil or butter. Cook the arepas until golden brown on each side, about 10 minutes total. The outer shell will harden and form a crisp crust, with a softer or hollow interior. (NOTE: You can also pan cook them until crispy on the outside, then finish them in your oven or air fryer at 350 degrees F/177C for 8-10 minutes).
- Cool slightly and serve as desired.
Notes
- Makes 8-10 arepas depending on size chosen, typically 3-5 inches diameter and ¼ to ¾ inch thick.
- Colombian arepas are thinner (¼ inch), Venezuelan arepas are thicker (¾ inch), which affects cooking time.
- Top or stuff arepas with meats, cheeses, or serve simply with butter or cream.
- A popular variation is mixing shredded cheese into the dough before cooking for added flavor.
- Calories estimated without oil/butter for cooking or toppings included.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 83 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 83kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 237mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 60mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 49IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
