Best Arepas Corn Griddle Cakes Recipes

What are Arepas Corn Griddle Cakes?

Arepas are a type of corn-based griddle cakes, originating from Venezuela and Colombia. These cakes are made by cooking ground maize or maize flour that is mixed with water and salt in a skillet or on a griddle. Arepas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a versatile and delicious option for any meal.

History of Arepas Corn Griddle Cakes

Arepas have been a staple food in Venezuela and Colombia for centuries. Indigenous tribes in the region have been making the cakes for over 5,000 years. Originally, arepas were made by grinding whole dried corn into a fine powder, which would be mixed with water and cooked on a hot griddle or skillet. Over time, the recipe evolved, and today, most people use pre-cooked cornmeal or "masarepa" to make their arepas. While traditionally a breakfast or snack item in Venezuela and Colombia, arepas are now popular all around the world, and can be eaten at any time of the day.

How to Make Arepas Corn Griddle Cakes

Making arepas is relatively easy and straightforward. To make arepas, you'll need to mix the pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) with water and some salt. The mixture should have a dough-like consistency, which you can shape into small balls or patties. Once you have your shape of arepa, you can either fry them in some oil on a skillet or cook them on a hot griddle. Once one side is crispy, flip it over and cook the other side until it's golden brown. You can then open them up and fill them with your favorite ingredients.

Basic Arepas Recipe

• 2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 tsp. of salt
• 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil

1. Begin by combining the pre-cooked cornmeal, salt, and water in a mixing bowl, stirring well to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
2. Next, divide the dough into small balls or portions, and shape them into flat discs, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat a skillet or a griddle over medium-high heat, and brush it lightly with vegetable oil.
4. Cook the arepas on the skillet or griddle for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they are golden brown on both sides and crispy.
5. Remove from the heat and serve with your favorite toppings or as an accompaniment to your main dish.

Top Arepas Corn Griddle Cakes Recipes

While the basic arepas recipe is delicious on its own, there are many different variations of the recipe that you can try. Here are some of the top arepas recipes:

1. Cheese-Stuffed Arepas:

For this recipe, cut a slit through the center of each arepa, but not all the way through. Stuff each arepa with grated cheese of your choice, and then heat the arepas on a skillet or griddle until the cheese starts to melt.

2. Shredded Chicken Arepas:

To make this recipe, you'll need shredded chicken breast, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, garlic, avocado, lime, salt, and pepper. Sauté the bell peppers and garlic in a pan before adding the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, fill the arepas with the mixture and top them with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime.

3. Mushroom and Spinach Arepas:

For this vegetarian option, sauté chopped mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and onion in a pan until they are cooked. Then stuff the arepas with the mixture and top them with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

4. Arepa Burger:

For this recipe, you'll need some ground beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese. Shape the ground beef into a patty and cook it on a skillet or griddle. Next, put the cooked patty between two arepas along with your toppings of choice.

Conclusion

Arepas are a versatile and delicious option for any meal. Whether you're looking for a simple breakfast option or want to try something new for dinner, arepas are a great choice. With so many different variations of the recipe, you can customize your arepas to your liking and mix up your meals with new and exciting flavors.

Arepas are a popular corn griddle cake that originated in South America, and have become popular throughout the world. They are simple to make, versatile, and delicious. However, making the perfect arepa can be a challenge, especially if you are new to the recipe. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to make arepas that are golden, crispy, and flavorful. 1. Choose the right type of cornmeal Choosing the right type of cornmeal is crucial when making arepas. The best type of cornmeal to use is pre-cooked cornmeal or masa harina. This type of cornmeal has been soaked in lime, which helps to release the nutrients in the corn and make it more digestible. It also gives the arepas a distinct flavor and texture. Avoid using regular cornmeal or corn flour as these will not produce the desired texture and flavor. If you cannot find masa harina, look for pre-cooked cornmeal labeled as "arepa flour" at your local Latin American market or online. 2. Use warm water The temperature of the water used to make the dough is essential. Use warm water rather than cold water to help the cornmeal hydrate properly and create a smooth dough. Cold water can make the dough clumpy and difficult to work with. 3. Add salt and oil Adding salt and oil to the dough can enhance the flavor and texture of the arepas. Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the corn, while oil makes the dough more pliable and prevents it from sticking to your hands. 4. Knead the dough well The key to making perfect arepas is kneading the dough well. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and not too dry or too sticky. Kneading the dough also helps to activate the gluten in the cornmeal, which gives the arepas their distinct texture. 5. Let the dough rest After kneading the dough, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before shaping it into the arepas. This allows the cornmeal to absorb the water fully and makes it easier to work with. 6. Shape the arepas evenly To make sure that your arepas cook evenly, shape them into a uniform thickness. Use a dough cutter or cookie cutter to ensure that each arepa is the same size and shape. 7. Preheat the griddle properly Preheating the griddle is essential to making perfectly crisp arepas. Heat the griddle over medium heat until it is hot enough to sizzle when you add a drop of water. 8. Cook the arepas low and slow When cooking the arepas, it is important to do so over low heat, so that they cook evenly and develop a crisp outer layer. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. 9. Test the doneness To make sure that your arepas are fully cooked, tap them lightly with your finger. If they sound hollow, they are done. If they sound dense, you may need to cook them a little longer. 10. Serve the arepas hot Arepas are best served hot, straight off the griddle. You can serve them plain, with butter or cheese, or with your favorite filling, such as black beans, avocado, or scrambled eggs. Conclusion Making perfect arepas requires attention to detail and a few key tips. By using the right type of cornmeal, warm water, and adding salt and oil to the dough, you can ensure that your arepas will be flavorful and delicious. Kneading the dough well, shaping the arepas evenly, preheating the griddle properly, and cooking them low and slow will result in arepas that are golden, crispy, and evenly cooked. Follow these tips, and you will be making amazing arepas in no time!