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Arepas recipe with a golden cornmeal arepa filled with chicken, beans, cheese, and vegetables

Arepas Recipe with Cornmeal Dough and Savory Fillings

This arepas recipe makes crispy cornmeal cakes with a tender center that are perfect for filling with savory combinations. These versatile homemade arepas offer a simple, satisfying base for a flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Colombian
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Arepas Dough
  • 2 cups precooked cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 1/2 cups warm water
  • oil for pan frying
Fillings
  • Carnitas or Chipotle Shredded Chicken
  • Magic Green Sauce or other sauce
  • black beans
  • sweet potatoes, sliced into thin pieces and sautéed in olive oil and salt until softened
  • red onions (pickled)
  • Cotija cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine the precooked cornmeal and salt in a bowl. Add the warm water, whisking to remove lumps, then stir until a cohesive dough forms. Allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Divide the dough into 8 portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then gently flatten into a disk about 1 inch thick.
Cooking
  1. Heat a thin layer of oil about 1/4 inch deep in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the arepas in the skillet and fry for about 6 minutes on both sides.
  2. Transfer the cooked arepas to paper towels to drain and cool.
Assembly
  1. Slice the arepas in half and fill with the desired fillings.

Notes

Nutrition information is calculated for the arepas only and does not include the fillings.