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 and soft on the inside, they are quick to prepare and perfect for any meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Colombian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Essential for frying.)
Filling
- 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella) (Feel free to use cheddar or gouda.)
Instructions
- Prepare 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 the dough: 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 to hydrate fully.
- Shape the arepas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten each ball into a disk about ½-inch thick for even cooking.
- Cook the arepas: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the arepas in the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn a golden brown color, becoming crispy on the outside.
- Fill and serve: Remove the arepas from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Then slice open each arepa and fill with 1 cup of cheese—queso fresco, mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda works well. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute butter with vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Feel free to customize the filling with meats, beans, or vegetables for variety.
- Ensure not to overcook the arepas; golden brown color indicates perfect crispiness.
- Use pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) specifically for authentic texture and ease.
Keywords: Arepas, Colombian Arepas, Cornmeal, Cheese Arepas, Traditional Colombian Recipe, Easy Arepas, Fried Arepas
