Deliciously Easy Colombian Arepas with Customizable Fillings Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
