Arepas Recipe
These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside corn cakes are about to become your new favorite comfort food! Perfect as a breakfast staple or satisfying dinner option, these Venezuelan and Colombian delights are incredibly versatile and naturally gluten-free.
What makes arepas truly special is their incredible texture – crispy and golden brown on the outside, with a perfectly tender center that’s just begging to be stuffed with your favorite fillings. The best part? You only need three simple ingredients to create these pillowy pockets of perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (260g) pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa)
- 1¾ – 2 cups (420-480ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and salt. Gradually add the masarepa while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Knead the mixture gently for 1 minute until smooth. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide dough into 6 equal portions (110-120g each). Roll into balls.
- Flatten each ball into ½-¾ inch thick disks. Smooth any cracks with wet fingers.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook arepas for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Optional: For extra crispiness, bake at 360°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then cut ¾ way around to create a pocket for filling.
Smart Swaps
- Use coconut oil instead of regular oil for a subtle tropical flavor
- Try yellow cornmeal mixed with masa harina (1:1 ratio) if masarepa is unavailable
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Reduce portion size to ½ arepa per serving (30g carbs instead of 60g)
- Add 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed to dough to increase fiber content
- Pair with high-protein fillings like eggs or black beans to slow glucose absorption
- Best consumed before noon for optimal blood sugar management
- Consider using chickpea flour (25% mix) to lower glycemic index
Pro Tips
- Test dough consistency by forming a ball – it should be smooth with no cracks
- Keep hands slightly wet while shaping to prevent sticking
- Store cooked arepas in a kitchen towel to maintain moisture
- For best results, use water between 110-115°F (43-46°C)