Easy Arepas with Cheese and Pulled Pork

VENEZUELAN·NON-VEGSource

Delicious and versatile arepas, a traditional corn bread from Venezuela, perfect for any filling and a great gluten-free alternative.

Ingredients

8

AREPAS

Lukewarm Water

2½ cups

Salt

1 tsp

Pre-Cooked Cornmeal

2 cups

FILLINGS

Shredded Cheese

For cheese arepa

1 cup

Pulled Pork

For pulled pork arepa

1 cup

Black Beans

For pulled pork and veggie arepas

½ cup

Avocado

For veggie and pulled pork arepas

0.5 whole

Cilantro

For veggie and pulled pork arepas

¼ cup

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet

Instructions

1Prepare the Dough5m

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of lukewarm water (100-110°F) and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir with your fingers until the salt is dissolved.

Add Cornmeal

Gradually add 2 cups (285g) of pre-cooked cornmeal to the water, mixing with your hands until a soft, Play-Doh-like consistency is formed. The mixture should not be sticky or have dry bits.

Rest the Dough

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow the water to fully hydrate the cornmeal.

2Shape the Arepas10m

Divide the Dough

After resting, the dough should be soft and pliable. Cut the dough into 8 equal portions.

Form the Patties

Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Ensure the edges are smooth and not cracked. Place the formed arepas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3Cook the Arepas15m

Heat the Oil

Heat 1/4 cup of canola oil in a cast iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when you see slight ripples, but it's not smoking.

Fry the Arepas

Carefully place 3-4 arepas into the hot oil. Fry for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

Drain and Repeat

Remove the cooked arepas with a spatula and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining arepas, adding more oil if necessary.

4Bake and Fill15m

Bake the Arepas

Transfer the wire rack with the fried arepas to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. This step ensures the inside is cooked through and fluffy.

Prepare for Filling

Once baked, let the arepas cool slightly on the wire rack. Then, carefully slice them in half horizontally, like a bun.

Assemble Arepas

Fill the arepas with your desired fillings. Options include: shredded cheese (melted briefly in the oven or microwave), pulled pork with black beans, avocado, and cilantro, or simply butter.