Ingredients for the Dough:
- 2 cups of precooked corn flour (commonly known as harina PAN)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (optional, for the dough)
Ingredients for the Arepas Filling:
- 500 g of beef (can be flank, shank, or similar meat)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Cumin to taste
- Oregano to taste
- Bay leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Arepas, an iconic dish of Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine, are known for their versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of flavors and fillings. These delicious corn cakes can be filled with an infinite variety of ingredients, making them an exciting and adaptable culinary option for any occasion.
From the classic melted cheese filling to more elaborate options like stewed beef, avocado, scrambled eggs, beans, shredded chicken, pulled pork, seafood, and sautéed vegetables, arepas offer a perfect platform for culinary creativity. The combination of flavors, textures, and colors that can be achieved within an arepa is simply endless, allowing each person to customize their culinary experience according to their individual preferences.
How to Make Arepas Dough Step by Step
Preparation Time:
- Dough preparation: 10 minutes
- Dough resting: 5 minutes
- Cooking: 10-15 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the arepas
- In a large bowl, mix the corn flour with the salt (if using).
- Gradually add the warm water while mixing with your hands until you get a smooth and manageable dough. It should have a consistency similar to tortilla dough, neither too dry nor too wet.
- If desired, you can add the vegetable oil to the dough and knead until well incorporated.
- Divide the dough into portions of the desired size and form balls with your hands. Then, flatten each ball to form discs about 1 cm thick and 10-12 cm in diameter. You can give them a slightly rounded shape.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook the arepas for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and form a crispy crust on the outside.
- Once cooked, remove the arepas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before serving.
- When they are cool enough to handle, cut each arepa in half horizontally and fill them with your favorite ingredients.
- Serve and enjoy your hot, filled arepas!
Tips:
Use harina PAN: Harina PAN is a precooked corn flour that is ideal for making arepas. It generally involves mixing the flour with water and salt until a soft and pliable dough is obtained.
How to Make the Filling for Arepas Pepiadas Reinas
- Filling preparation time: 30-35 minutes
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until golden and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
- Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, beef broth or water, and bay leaves (if using). Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and mix with the sauce. Continue cooking over low heat until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and sugar, if necessary, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- When the filling is ready, remove the bay leaves and serve the shredded meat hot over the arepas.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve your arepas filled with shredded meat.
- Enjoy your filled arepas, a traditional and delicious dish of Venezuelan cuisine!
Tips:
Opt for cuts of meat with enough fat, such as shank, as this will help the meat stay juicy after cooking.
