A Delicious Recipe For Arepas Al Horno (Baked Arepas)
Cesar Chien
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? If so, then you should definitely try arepas al horno! Arepas are a traditional dish from Venezuela and Colombia, and they are made from cornmeal dough. Arepas al horno are a healthier version of the fried arepas, as they are baked in the oven instead of fried.
Ingredients
To make arepas al horno, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal
2 cups of water
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of oil
1 cup of shredded cheese (optional)
Butter or oil for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, water, salt, and oil. 3. Mix the ingredients until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add more water. If the dough is too wet, add more cornmeal. 4. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. 5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and form them into balls. 6. Flatten the balls to form discs that are about 1/2 inch thick. 7. If you're using cheese, sprinkle it on top of 4 of the discs. 8. Place the other 4 discs on top of the ones with cheese, and press the edges to seal them. 9. Grease a baking sheet with butter or oil. 10. Place the arepas on the baking sheet and bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. 11. Flip the arepas halfway through the baking time to ensure that they are cooked evenly. 12. Remove the arepas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for one serving of arepas al horno (1 arepa):
Calories: 200
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 6g
Arepas al horno are a great source of carbohydrates and fiber, and they are low in fat and cholesterol. They are also a good source of protein, especially if you add cheese to them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have the ingredients and nutritional information, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for making arepas al horno. First, preheat your oven to 400°F. This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature when you're ready to bake the arepas. Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, water, salt, and oil. Use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add more water. If the dough is too wet, add more cornmeal. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the cornmeal to absorb the water and become more pliable. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and form them into balls. You can use a measuring cup to ensure that each ball is the same size. Flatten the balls to form discs that are about 1/2 inch thick. You can use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the balls. If you're using cheese, sprinkle it on top of 4 of the discs. You can use any type of cheese that you like, such as cheddar or mozzarella. Place the other 4 discs on top of the ones with cheese, and press the edges to seal them. This will ensure that the cheese stays inside the arepas while they're baking. Grease a baking sheet with butter or oil. This will prevent the arepas from sticking to the baking sheet. Place the arepas on the baking sheet and bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You can check them halfway through the baking time to ensure that they are cooking evenly. Flip the arepas halfway through the baking time to ensure that they are cooked evenly. This will ensure that both sides of the arepas are crispy. Remove the arepas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot cheese. Serve the arepas with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, sour cream, or salsa. You can also serve them with a side of beans or rice for a complete meal.
Variations
Arepas al horno are a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations that you can try:
Instead of cheese, you can add other fillings to the arepas, such as ham, chicken, or vegetables.
You can add spices to the dough, such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder, to give the arepas more flavor.
You can make mini arepas by dividing the dough into smaller pieces and forming them into smaller discs.
You can make sweet arepas by adding sugar to the dough and serving them with honey or jam.
Conclusion
Arepas al horno are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. They are healthier than fried arepas and can be customized to your liking. With the step-by-step instructions and nutritional information in this article, you'll be able to make perfect arepas al horno every time. So why not give them a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills?