South American Arepas Honest Cooking from honestcooking.com
Introduction
Arepa is a Venezuelan dish that is popular in many Latin American countries. It is a flat, round, and thick bread made from cornmeal dough. Arepa can be eaten as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be stuffed with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, beans, and avocado. In this article, we will show you how to make a delicious arepa recipe step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal - 2 cups of warm water - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 cup of shredded cheese - 1 cup of cooked black beans - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 lime, cut into wedges - 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, salt, and vegetable oil. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a soft dough is formed. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Shaping the Arepas
Divide the dough into eight equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball with your palm to form a disc that is about ½ inch thick.
Step 3: Cooking the Arepas
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the arepas on the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the arepas are fully cooked and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 4: Stuffing the Arepas
Cut each arepa in half and stuff them with your desired ingredients such as shredded cheese, black beans, avocado, shredded chicken, or any other filling you prefer. Squeeze a lime wedge over the filling and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Arepa is a healthy and nutritious dish that is rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins. One serving of arepa contains about 200 calories, 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of fat. The black beans and avocado are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, while the cornmeal provides energy and fiber.
Conclusion
Arepa is a simple and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. It is versatile and can be filled with any filling you prefer. This recipe is a great way to introduce yourself to Venezuelan cuisine and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. We hope you enjoy making and eating these arepas as much as we do!