Skip to main content

Arepas

3.4

(4)

Image may contain Food Bread Plant and Cracker
ArepasMarcus Nilsson

Serve these South American cornmeal cakes with a side of pico de gallo or fresh corn salsa.

TIP :

Tell first-time arepa eaters that a "surprise" awaits them inside the cake.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6

Ingredients

2 cups precooked masarepa cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups hot chicken broth or water
1/2 cup canned black or pinto beans, drained
1/2 cup shredded cheese (Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    1. Combine the cornmeal and salt in a bowl.

    Step 2

    2. Add the broth (or water). Mix until a dough with no lumps forms.

    Step 3

    3. When it's cool enough to touch, use your hands to divide it into 8 pieces. Cover them with a damp towel.

    Step 4

    4. Heat a lightly greased large griddle. Dip your hands in cold water (to prevent sticking) and roll each dough piece into a ball. Using your fingers, make an indentation in the center of each.

    Step 5

    5. Push a teaspoon each of beans and cheese into each ball. Pinch the dough around the filling to enclose it.

    Step 6

    6. Flatten each ball to 1 inch thick between your palms.

    Step 7

    7. Cook them on the griddle until crisp, about 3 minutes a side.

Read More
Enchiladas meet pumpkin in this cozy weeknight dinner.
A sheet-pan wonder with lots of crispy rice.
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
Protein on protein on protein. Great on their own or stirred into tomato sauce.
Canned pumpkin, you shouldn’t have!
A few clever changes take classic Rice Krispies Treats to soaring new heights.
This picadillo-inspired topping would taste good on a shoe.
Known as okayu, this Japanese comfort food will warm you from the inside out.