Deliciously Easy Colombian Arepas with Customizable Fillings Recipe
These Deliciously Easy Colombian Arepas are made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. The recipe features a soft, flavorful dough made from pre-cooked cornmeal and warm water, pan-fried to create crispy exteriors and tender interiors. Filled with melty cheese, these arepas can be customized with a variety of fillings to suit your taste, providing a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, snack, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 arepas 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Colombian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Arepa Dough
- 2 cups arepa flour (masarepa) (Use pre-cooked cornmeal for best results.)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1.25 cups warm water (Hydrates the flour.)
- 2 tablespoons butter (Can substitute with vegan butter.)
For Cooking and Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Essential for frying.)
- 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella; feel free to use cheddar or gouda)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of arepa flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups of warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rest: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 5 minutes to hydrate fully.
- Shape the Arepas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten each ball into a disk approximately ½-inch thick.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying.
- Cook the Arepas: Carefully place the arepas in the hot skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy.
- Fill and Serve: Remove the arepas from the skillet, allow them to cool slightly, then slice open and fill each with your choice of cheese. Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- You can customize the fillings beyond cheese – try avocado, shredded chicken, or beans.
- If you don’t have a skillet, a non-stick frying pan works just as well.
- Make sure to use pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) for the right texture.
- These arepas are best eaten fresh but can be reheated on a skillet for crispiness.
Keywords: Colombian arepas, arepa recipe, easy arepas, cheesy arepas, casual Colombian food, pan-fried arepas, gluten-free arepas
