This looks delicious! Any vegetarian protein ideas to put inside the arepas?

Shredded chipotle jackfruit would be delicious! Otherwise, the black beans will provide a protein boost, too.

What is the texture of the arepa like?

The texture of these is a little corn-cakey, so if the insides are a little sticky that's okay and good.

How long do arepas last?

You can store any leftover fried arepas in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

How do I make the pickled onions that go on top?

Thinly slice 1 red onion. Place the sliced onion in a jar and fill it about 1/3 of the way with white vinegar and the rest with water. Add a pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, give it a good shake, and toss it in the fridge for a couple hours to pickle them.

Are arepas gluten-free?

Yep! Precooked cornmeal is naturally gluten-free.

How to Make Arepas (Step-By-Step!) Recipe

Description

Arepas – fried cornmeal pockets stuffed with all the fillings you could ever want, like carnitas, spicy chicken, sweet potatoes, black beans, sauces, and more. THESE ARE SO GOOD!

Ingredients

Units

Arepas:

2 cups precooked cornmeal*
2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 cups warm water
oil for pan frying

Filling Ideas:

Carnitas (personal fave!) or Chipotle Shredded Chicken
Magic Green Sauce or other sauce (umm, what other sauce would there be?)
black beans
sweet potatoes, sliced into thin pieces and sautéed in olive oil and salt until softened
red onions (pickled? yum)
Cotija cheese

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Instructions

Combine your ingredients: Mix the precooked cornmeal and the salt. Add the water and whisk remove any lumps, then stir until combined. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes.
Form the arepas: Using your hands, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten in gently to create a disk, about 1 inch thick (see pictures).
Fry the arepas: Heat a thin layer of oil (about 1/4 inch deep) in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the arepas and fry for about 6 minutes on both sides. The arepas should get a dry fried exterior without getting overly brown. Set on paper towels to drain and cool.
Assemble: Cut the arepas in half and stuff with your fillings!

Notes

Nutrition info is just for arepas (no fillings).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Colombian

Keywords: arepa recipe, fried cornmeal, carnitas