Deliciously Easy Colombian Arepas with Customizable Fillings Recipe

Introduction

Arepas are a beloved Colombian comfort food that’s both simple and delicious. This recipe shows you how to make soft, golden arepas with customizable cheesy fillings, perfect for any meal or snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups arepa flour (masarepa) (Use pre-cooked cornmeal for best results.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 1.25 cups warm water (Hydrates the flour.)
• 2 tablespoons butter (Can substitute with vegan butter.)
• 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella) (Feel free to use cheddar or gouda.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Essential for frying.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of arepa flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1¼ cups of warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
2. Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten each ball into a disk about ½-inch thick.
4. Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully cook the arepas for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Remove arepas from skillet, cool slightly, slice open, and fill each with cheese. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add the butter directly into the dough during kneading.
• Try different fillings such as shredded chicken, avocado, or black beans for variety.
• Use vegan cheese and butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, finish cooking the arepas in a hot oven for 5 minutes after frying.

Storage

Store leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cornmeal instead of arepa flour?

Regular cornmeal is not pre-cooked and will not hydrate properly, resulting in a gritty texture. It’s best to use pre-cooked cornmeal labeled for arepas or masarepa.

How can I make these arepas vegan?

Simply substitute the butter with vegan butter and use your favorite plant-based cheese to keep the recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Deliciously Easy Colombian Arepas with Customizable Fillings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 57 reviews

These deliciously easy Colombian arepas are made from pre-cooked cornmeal and can be customized with your favorite fillings. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, they are perfect for a quick snack or a tasty side dish.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Colombian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Arepa Dough

• 2 cups arepa flour (masarepa) (Use pre-cooked cornmeal for best results.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 1.25 cups warm water (Hydrates the flour.)
• 2 tablespoons butter (Can substitute with vegan butter.)

Frying and Filling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Essential for frying.)
• 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella; can substitute with cheddar or gouda)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of arepa flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups of warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and Rest: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Shape Arepas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten each ball into a disk about ½-inch thick.
4. Heat Oil and Fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully cook the arepas for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Fill and Serve: Remove arepas from the skillet, allow to cool slightly, then slice open each arepa and fill with 1 cup of cheese. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) for the best texture and ease of preparation.
• You can substitute butter with vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
• Try different cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda for varied flavors.
• Make sure the skillet is at medium heat to avoid burning the arepas while ensuring they cook through.
• Allowing the arepas to rest after kneading improves dough consistency and texture.
• For a crispier outside, you may finish arepas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes after frying.

Keywords: arepas, Colombian arepas, masarepa, cornmeal, easy arepas recipe, fried arepas, cheese arepas, traditional Colombian food