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Cornmeal Pancakes (Arepa)

@arecipe.bsky.social

Arepas are fried or baked yellow or white corn pancakes, either plain or with a filling. Many Venezuelans and Colombians eat them in place of bread, often at breakfast. They are one of the national dishes of Venezuela and there are many food stands or small restaurants called areperas which specialize in the making of these small delights.

Ingredients

  • 2.4 cups (500 g) corn flour for arepas
  • 1.2 tsp salt
  • 0.6 cup (140 g) grated white cheese
  • 2.4 cups (500 g) cool water (or more if needed)

Instructions

  1. 1
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and white cheese. Stir in enough water to make a firm, slightly moist dough.
  2. 2
    Cover the dough and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  3. 3
    Divide the dough into 10 pieces and form each piece into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly.
  4. 4
    Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C).
  5. 5
    Oil a griddle very lightly and warm it over medium heat. Cook the arepas on the griddle for about 5 minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust forms.
  6. 6
    Transfer the arepas to a baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes, turning them several times as they bake.
  7. 7
    Serve immediately, with cheese, ham and black beans.
Method
Frying

Dietary Information

Vegetarian

Recipe Attribution

Wikibooks Cookbook
en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Cornmeal_Pancakes_(Arepa)