Latino Connection Magazine

The New American Reality

Basic Colombian Arepa Recipe

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This post is also available in: Spanish

Courtesy of
Courtesy of Aromas Del Sur Restaurant
Colombian Restaurant BANDEJA PAISA
Bandeja Paisa Dish offered at Aromas Del Sur Restaurant in Ephrata, PA

 

Colombian Restaurant1
Aromas Del Sur Restaurant located in Ephrata, PA

Basic Colombian Arepa Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups masarepa (can be purchased at Latin American grocery stores)

  • 1 1/2 cups water, plus more as necessary

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

  • salt

  • 2 teaspoons butter

Directions

  1. Combine masarepa, 1 cup water, and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a medium bowl and knead with hands until a dough is formed. Take a small amount and flatten it between your palms If the edges crack, knead in more water a tablespoon at a time until dough is supple and smooth but not sticky. Season dough to taste with salt, then cover and set aside for five minutes.
  2. Divide dough into four even pieces and roll into balls. Working on a cutting board with a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on top of it, flatten each ball down to a disk about 5-inches in diameter and 1/4-inch thick.
  3. Melt butter in a 12-inch cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add arepas and cook, moving them around the pan and rotating them occasionally, until first side is charred in spots and a dry crust has formed, about five minutes. Flip arepas and cook on second side until a dry crust has formed, about five minutes longer. Continue cooking, flipping every minute or so, until arepas are mostly dry and relatively stiff, about five minutes longer. Serve hot with cheese, melted butter, or toppings of your choice.