Description
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these traditional Arepas are made from masarepa and perfect for stuffing with your favorite savory fillings. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a versatile and comforting dish from Latin America.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Masarepa (precooked cornmeal)
- 2 ½ cups Warm Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (plus extra for frying)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of oil.
- In a large bowl, mix masarepa and salt. Slowly add warm water and oil while stirring.
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then knead into a smooth, pliable dough.
- Form into palm-sized discs about ½ inch thick. If using cheese, place it in the center and reshape.
- Place arepas on the skillet and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a towel-lined plate and rest for 2 minutes.
- Split open and fill with your favorite ingredients or enjoy plain.
Notes
- Use warm water for easier dough mixing and better texture.
- Masarepa is not the same as regular cornmeal or masa harina.
- Finish cooked arepas in the oven for extra crispiness.
- To freeze: shape raw arepas and wrap individually for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Venezuelan, Colombian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arepa
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Arepas, Venezuelan food, Colombian street food, gluten free, cornmeal cakes