Colombian Arepas

Discover the irresistible charm of Colombian arepas, a traditional and versatile comfort food made from just a handful of simple ingredients. Crafted with precooked white cornmeal (masarepa), these golden, slightly crispy corn cakes are easy to prepare with a quick 15-minute dough preparation. Whether served plain, stuffed with melty cheese, or topped with avocado and shredded meat, arepas offer a delightful blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Perfect for breakfast, a light snack, or even a side dish, these gluten-free delights are cooked on a skillet to achieve a golden exterior and a soft, tender center. Explore the authentic taste of Colombia in every bite and make these arepas your new go-to recipe for quick, satisfying meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (masarepa)
• 2 cups warm water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for cooking)
• 0.5 cups cheese (optional, shredded or crumbled)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked white cornmeal and salt.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water to the bowl, stirring with your hands or a spoon to form a soft dough.

Step 3

If using cheese, mix it into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 4

Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes to hydrate fully.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disk about 4-5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.

Step 6

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. If desired, lightly grease the surface with butter.

Step 7

Place the arepas on the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to press them gently for even cooking.

Step 8

Transfer the cooked arepas to a plate and serve warm. They can be enjoyed plain, or sliced open and filled with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or shredded meat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(793g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1210

Total Fat 31.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 91mg	0%
Sodium 1541mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12g	0%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 33.3g	0%

Vitamin D 21IU	0%
Calcium 403mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 43mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.2%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 64.6%