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Arepas

Warm, soft, and crispy, Arepas are perfect for any meal of the day. Made with only a few ingredients, you'll have these bread-like rounds ready in no time.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 215 kcal
Course: Bread

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups lukewarm water (100°F-110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pre-cooked yellow cornmeal (285g)
  • ¼ cup canola oil (60 mL)
  • Filling suggestions: shredded cheese, black beans, shredded pork

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the water and salt. Using your fingers, gradually stir the cornmeal into the water until a soft and moist dough forms. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Divide the dough evenly into 8 pieces and roll each piece into balls. Press each ball into a 1/2-inch patty between your palms.
  4. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Working in batches, place the patties in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side, occasionally moving the patties around in the skillet so they don’t stick. Transfer the patties to the wire rack.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely or until warm. With a serrated knife, carefully cut in half horizontally. Fill with shredded cheese, black beans, shredded pork, or however desired.

Notes

  • If your arepas dough feels too dry and crumbles when shaped, add a tablespoon of water and mix until the dough is malleable. Careful not to add too much water as it’ll make the arepas dense.
  • The dough should feel sticky but not wet. If you find the dough to be wet, add a pinch of cornmeal at a time until the consistency is right.
  • If you’re unsure if you have cooked the arepas through, give them a tap. If they sound hollow, then they are done.
  • If the dough sticks to your hands, you can wet your hands a little before rolling the dough.
  • These will continue to cook once out of the oven. Let them cool. If you cut them still hot, they will be doughy in the middle.

Nutrition Information

Calories 215kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 29g (10%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 1g Sodium 296mg (12%) Potassium 128mg (4%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 1g (2%) Calcium 5mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 215

% Daily Value*

Calories 215kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Sodium 296mg 12%
Potassium 128mg 3%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 1g 2%
Calcium 5mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.