Colombian Arepas (Gluten-Free and Vegan)

Arepas (pronounced ah-reh-pas) are round patties made from corn meal. Colombian arepas can be made sweet or savory and are prepared over 75 different ways. Arepas are eaten for breakfast, as a snack, meal, or as a side to any dish. There are so many ways to eat them, and preparations vary by region.

This recipe will show you how to make Colombian arepas that are vegan, dairy-free, vegan, and so delicious!

However, for a recipe on how to make arepas with cheese (my preferred recipe), click here.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 1/4 cups of water
• 2 cups of white pre-cooked corn meal (I always use P.A.N.)
• 2 cups of shredded vegan cheese (I use follow your heart veggie shreds)
• 4 tablespoons of butter (I use Earth Balance Vegan Butter)
• olive oil spray
• 1 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Directions: 

• Add corn meal and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
• Add water into a microwave safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes. 
• Add 1 cup of the warm water to the corn meal. Use a spatula to mix the water and corn meal (it will be hot). Repeat until all the water is added. Then, add the vegan butter.
• Once the corn meal begins to absorb the water and has cooled off, mix the dough with your hands. Mix until there is no dry flour remaining. Add more water as needed. The goal is to create a dough texture that feels soft, holds shape, and resembles playdoh. Note: every batch of arepas will vary in the amount of water needed to set it. Once you have added 2 1/2 cups of water, add small splashes at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
• Once the dough is ready, add the vegan cheese. Use your hands to incorporate well. Note: If your dough dries out, you can add more splashes of water.
• Next, let’s make the arepas. Take small sections of the dough and roll them into a dough ball using your hands. Note: I don’t weigh my arepa dough balls. If you would like to, you can use a food scale and aim for 60 grams.
• Take your dough balls and place them in between the palm of your hands. Press your hands together to flatten the dough ball. Aim for 1/2 inch in thickness as you squeeze between your palms.
• After you get your desired arepa shape, hold your arepa in one hand and inspect the edges. Be sure to smooth out any flaky or dry edges. You want the edges to be smooth like a perfect circle. Note: If any parts of the arepa are flaky or cracked, water can fix it. Simply, run your hand under water, then gently rub the flaky or cracked edges. The drops of water from your hand will smooth out any cracks.
• Lightly grease a nonstick pan with vegan butter and turn on to medium heat. Once the vegan butter melts, place the arepas in the pan. Note: Be sure not to overcrowd the arepas, I add about 4-5 at a time in my large pan.
• Cook each side for 7-9 minutes until the arepa darkens and turns crispy on the outside. Continue this process until all arepas are cooked. Note: You may need to lower the heat slightly for the second batch of arepas, so monitor closely.
• Yields 8-10 arepas.
• Serve with aji pique or guac.