Arepas are a traditional food here in Colombia and each region has a particular way of making them. Being gluten free these are an amazing discovery. We have had arepas plain or filled with egg, meat, chicken, cheese, or jam. They are made with corn flower, sugar, salt, butter or oil and anything that you want to fill them with! The other day we learned how to make them from our host Lucy. They were AMAZING (when done right) so I wanted to pass the recipe on for you to try at home.
Instructions: Please also check the photos on my page for more details. In a large mixing bowl add in the corn flour, while heating up the butter or oil, then add the sugar, salt and melted butter. Add about 4-6 cups of warm water and mix. Stir until it is a thick consistency and no longer liquid. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to absorb excess water, the butter/oil and sugar.
After 5-10 minutes take the mix in your hand and form small flat arepas about the size of an oversized cookie. (3″ in diameter and approximately 1-2cm thick) With butter or oil in the pan place each one in and let them cook until golden brown on each side. The pan should be on medium high heat.
If you choose to stuff the arepa press into the center after creating the disc shape. Place your ingredients inside and fold the edges gently over the filling. Place a little more dough over the top of the arepa to seal it. Reshape if necessary then cook as usual.
When the arepas are golden brown remove from heat and enjoy!
Let me know how yours turn out!
Ingredients:
1000g Corn Flour/ Corn Meal (Approximately 6 2/3 Cups)
4-5 Tablespoons Sugar
1/2 Tablespoon Salt
1 Stick of Melted Butter or 3-4 Tablespoons Oil
4-6 Cups Warm Water
Butter/Oil for the pan
The best recipes don’t typically use specific measurements, so experiment and let me know how they taste!
