Arepas are one of the most popular foods in Colombia. It is a flat bread made from corn dough that can be eaten at any time of the day. Arepas can be served with a variety of fillings, from cheese to avocado to meat. We will show you how to make Colombian arepas at home, simply and quickly.
Ingredients
To make Colombian arepas, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of precooked corn dough
2 cups of lukewarm water
1 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the corn masa with warm water and salt in a large bowl. Make sure the corn masa has completely hydrated.
- Knead the corn dough for a few minutes, until it is smooth and manageable.
- Roll the dough into golf ball-sized balls and flatten them with the palm of your hand until they are about 1cm thick.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little vegetable oil.
- Place the arepas in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve the arepas hot and enjoy them with your favorite filling.
Make sure the corn dough is completely hydrated before kneading it. Otherwise, the arepas may fall apart while cooking. Another tip is that
do not over-knead the corn dough, as this can make the arepas hard and dry. If the corn masa is too dry, add a little more warm water to hydrate it. You can also add shredded cheese to the corn dough to make Colombian cheese arepas.
Arepas are versatile and can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients. Here are some filling ideas for you to try:
- Shredded beef: A classic filling for Colombian arepas is shredded beef. You can use shredded chicken, beef or pork and season it with your favorite spices.
- Cheese: Cheese is another classic filling for Colombian arepas. You can use fresh cheese, peasant cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- Avocado: Avocado is a healthy and delicious filling for Colombian arepas. You can slice it or mash it to make a guacamole.
- Scrambled Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a popular breakfast filling. You can mix them with tomato and onion to give them more flavor
- Beans: Beans are a traditional filling in Colombia and can be a delicious vegetarian option for arepas. You can cook them with onion, garlic and spices to give them flavor.
- Chorizo: Chorizo is a meat sausage with a tangy flavor that can make a tasty filling for arepas.
- Ham and cheese: A classic combination that never fails. Simply add sliced ham and cheese to your freshly made arepas for a quick and easy meal.
Follow these instructions and you will have one of the best Colombian dishes on your table. It is a great option for your breakfasts, dinners and accompaniments. We know you're going to enjoy them.