Arepas (pronounced ah-reh-pas) are round patties made from white corn flour. They can be made sweet or savory and are prepared over 75 different ways in Colombia. Arepas are eaten for breakfast, as a snack, meal, or as a side to accompany any dish. There are so many ways to eat them, and preparations vary by region.
My everyday arepas are vegan, gluten free, and light but sometimes I’m in a mood for a big cheesy arepa! These arepas are crispy, cheesy, buttery, and taste amazing!
You will need:
- 2 1/4 cups of water
- 2 cups of precooked white corn meal (PAN)
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of finely shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons of butter (I use Earth Balance Vegan Butter)
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- Olive oil spray to lightly grease the pan
Directions:
- Preheat a large nonstick pan to medium heat.
- Add cornmeal flour and salt into a large bowl and whisk to combine.
- Place the water and vegan butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes.
- Then, add the water/butter mixture into the cornmeal flour and use a spatula to mix well.
- Once the flour begins to absorb the water and the dough cools off, you can begin mixing with your hands. Mix until there is no dry flour remaining.
- Once the dough is ready (a little softer than cookie dough) add the mozzarella and the cheddar cheese. Use your hands to incorporate well.
- Next, let’s make the arepas. Take sections of the dough and roll them into a ball. Then use the palm of your hands to press the ball until it becomes a disc in between your palms. Rotate the arepa disc to ensure all areas of the arepa are smooth and similar in depth (it should be about ½ inch thick).
- After you get your desired arepa shape, hold your arepa in one hand and inspect the edges. Be sure to tap in any rough or dry edges (you want the edges to be smooth like a circle).
- Lightly grease the pan (I use olive oil spray) and then place the arepas in the hot pan.
- Let each side cook for 7-9 minutes until the arepa blackens and turns crispy on the outside.
- Flip the arepas and cook for another 7-9 minutes.
- Yields 8-10 arepas.
- Serve with a meal, dip, or enjoy alone.
