In a large bowl, mix the warm water with the salt. Gradually add the corn flour while stirring. Knead with your hands for 5-10 minutes until you get a smooth and compact dough without lumps. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water; if it's too sticky, add a little more flour. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Arepas (Venezuelan Corn Patties)
- Total time - 35 minutes
- Prep time - 10 minutes
- Cook time - 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Country: Venezuela
Arepas are a symbol of Venezuelan cuisine. They are incredibly versatile and simple to make, which makes them a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This recipe will show you how to make the basic version that you can fill with anything you love.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Basic Arepas
- 2 cups pre-cooked white corn flour (e.g., Harina P.A.N.)
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Popular Fillings (Optional)
- to taste cheeses (e.g., mozzarella or queso de mano)
- to taste shredded beef or chicken
- to taste avocado
- to taste ham and cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Step 2: Shape and pan-fry
Take a piece of dough the size of a tennis ball and shape it into a round patty about 1.5 cm thick. If the dough cracks, add a little water. Pan-fry the patties over medium heat in a pan (preferably cast iron) without oil for 5 minutes on each side until a crispy crust forms.
Step 3: Finish cooking
Transfer the browned arepas to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (they should sound hollow when tapped). You can also finish them on a grill.
Step 4: Fill and serve
Slice the hot arepas with a sharp knife (but not all the way through) to create a pocket. Fill them with your favorite filling and serve immediately.