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–+ servings

Authentic Venezuelan Arepas πŸ‡»πŸ‡ͺ✨

165kcal
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
The ultimate Venezuelan staple! These arepas are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and naturally gluten-free. Perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings like Reina Pepiada or Carne Mechada.
Servings 8 people
Course Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine Venezuelan

Ingredients

  • 2 cup Harina P.A.N. (Pre-cooked cornmeal)
  • 2 Β½ cups Warm water
  • 1 Β½ tsp (or to taste) Salt
  • 2 tbsp (for the pan) Cooking oil
  • 1 can Optional filling Cheese, shredded beef, or black beans

Method

  1. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and salt.
  2. Add Flour: Gradually add the Harina P.A.N. while mixing with your hand to avoid lumps.
  3. Rest: Knead until a smooth dough forms and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to fully hydrate.
  4. Shape: Divide the dough into 6–8 balls. Flatten them between your palms into discs about 1/2 inch thick.
  5. Sear: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the arepas for about 5–7 minutes per side until they have a golden-brown crust.
  6. Optional Finish: For an extra fluffy interior, you can finish them in the oven at 350Β°F for 10 minutes.
  7. Stuff: Slice them open halfway through (like a pocket) and stuff with your favorite fillings while warm.

Nutrition

Serving8gCalories165kcalCarbohydrates34gProtein3.5gFat2gSaturated Fat0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat0.8gMonounsaturated Fat0.5gCholesterol185mgSodium440mgPotassium115mgFiber2.5gSugar0.5gVitamin C12mgIron2.1mg

Notes

    • Mention Gluten-Free: Arepas are naturally gluten-free, which is a huge keyword for search engines. Make sure this is checked in your recipe tags.
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    • The Brand Matters: In the recipe notes, always mention Harina P.A.N.. It’s the gold standard for Venezuelan arepas and a highly searched term.

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