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How to Make Venezuelan Arepas

Learn How to Make Venezuelan Arepas and open a world of delicious food possibilities for your family!! These flat patty made of maize flour are sooo yummy and so easy to make. Fill them with chicken salad, tuna, pulled pork, beef, cheese, ham, eggs... the possibilities are endless. https://mommyshomecooking.com
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Venezuelan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 168kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Harina P.A.N (pre-cooked white maize meal)
  • 1 teaspoon corn, canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Wash your hands
  • In a medium bowl add water and salt. Mix until the salt is dissolved.
  • Slowly add the harina P.A.N. Mix with your hands, making circular movements and breaking with your finger the lumps that may form. Let rest 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Preheat a non-stick 11-inch square griddle over medium heat. If you don't have a griddle you can use a skillet instead.
  • After 5 minutes add the oil to the dough and work it in with your hands for 2 minutes. The dough should be firm enough holds its shape without cracking when molded. If it is too soft add a little more of harina P.A.N; if too hard add a little more water.
  • Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Form 4 balls. Then flatten them gently until they’re about 1/2-inch thick discs.
  • Place the discs on the preheated griddle and cook the arepas for 5-7 minutes on each side or until lightly golden brown.
  • Split each arepa in half and fill them with whatever you like: cheese, ham, egg, beans, chicken, beef, tuna ... your creativity is the limit!
  • Serve hot.

Notes

 
1.- It is common to spread butter inside the arepa before filling. Totally optional but highly recommended.
 
2.- To make authentic Venezuelan arepas you must use white Harina P.A.N. Many regular grocery stores sell it (international food aisle). You can also find it in Latino markets or online here.
 
STORING: Once the arepas has cooled, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, also in an airtight container.
FREEZING: 
Here's how to freeze your homemade Venezuelan arepas:
  1. Let the arepas cool completely.
  2. Wrap it up in aluminum foil, then with plastic wrap.
  3. Place inside a large freezer Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
 
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Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate and it can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg