Homemade Arepas

I first tasted arepas at a New York City hole-in-the-wall eatery and I fell in love with this stuffed white corn cake. Halfway through my first arepa — one stuffed with black beans, beef, plantains, and salty cheese — I vowed to learn how to make these at home. It's a truly magnificent delivery system for any number of your favorite fillings. I went with some spicy pork and avocado, but I made a version a few days later stuffed with caramelized plantains and salty goat feta.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Yield:

8 arepas

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

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Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

2 ½ cups lukewarm water
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (such as P.A.N.®)
¼ cup vegetable oil, or as needed

Directions

Stir water and salt together in a medium bowl; gradually stir in cornmeal with your fingers until the mixture forms a soft, moist, malleable dough.

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Form dough into eight 2-inch diameter balls; pat each ball to flatten into a 3/8-inch-thick arepa patty.

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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; fry arepas in batches until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain until cool enough to handle.

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Slice halfway through each arepa horizontally with a thin serrated knife to form a pita-like pocket.

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Enjoy!

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Nutrition:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

96	Calories
1g	Fat
20g	Carbs
2g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 96
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1g	1%
Saturated Fat 0g	1%
Sodium 293mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate 20g	7%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Protein 2g	4%
Calcium 2mg	0%
Potassium 1mg	0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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