Catalan-style Arepa

Ingredients

In this Catalan-style Arepa recipe, we incorporate Catalan flavors and ingredients to give the traditional Venezuelan arepa a unique twist. The original arepa is typically filled with various meats, cheeses, and beans, while the Catalan-style Arepa can be enjoyed on its own or filled with Catalan-inspired ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, and roasted vegetables. Additionally, the Catalan-style Arepa has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, which sets it apart from the original. We alse have the original recipe for Arepa, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) water 1 1/2 cups (355ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, water, salt, olive oil, honey, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into round patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. 3.
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil.
4. 4.
   Cook the arepas in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. 5.
   Transfer the cooked arepas to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and heated through.
6. 6.
   Serve the Catalan-style Arepas warm and enjoy them on their own or fill them with your favorite Catalan-inspired ingredients.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the arepas.
• Olive oil — Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the arepas.
• Honey — For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Dried thyme — Crush the dried thyme between your fingers before adding it to the dough to release its aromatic oils.
• Smoked paprika — Opt for a high-quality smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the arepas.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy exterior, make sure the skillet is well-heated before adding the arepas.
• Experiment with different fillings such as Catalan cheeses, roasted vegetables, or sautéed mushrooms to add variety to your arepas.
• Serve the arepas with a side of romesco sauce, a traditional Catalan sauce made with roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic.
• Leftover arepas can be reheated in a toaster or oven to regain their crispiness.
• For a sweeter twist, serve the arepas with a drizzle of Catalan honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Serving advice

Serve the warm Catalan-style Arepas as a main course for breakfast or brunch. They can be enjoyed on their own or filled with a variety of Catalan-inspired ingredients. Accompany them with a side of mixed greens or a fresh tomato salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown arepas on a platter and garnish them with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Serve them alongside colorful Catalan ingredients like sliced cured meats, cheeses, and roasted vegetables to create an enticing display.