Colombian Egg-Stuffed Arepas

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) pre-cooked cornmeal 2 cups (240g) pre-cooked cornmeal
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• Cooking oil, for frying Cooking oil, for frying
• Ají sauce, for serving (optional) Ají sauce, for serving (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 0g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, warm water, and salt. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
3. 3.
   Flatten each ball into a disc, about ½ inch (1.3cm) thick.
4. 4.
   Use your fingers to create a hole in the center of each disc, making sure not to break through the bottom.
5. 5.
   Carefully crack an egg into each hole, taking care not to break the yolk.
6. 6.
   Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Carefully transfer the arepas to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.
8. 8.
   Flip the arepas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the egg is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
9. 9.
   Remove the arepas from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
10. 10.
    Serve the Egg-Stuffed Arepas warm with ají sauce on the side, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pre-cooked cornmeal — Make sure to use pre-cooked cornmeal specifically made for arepas, as regular cornmeal will not yield the same results.
• Ají sauce — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of spice in the ají sauce by reducing the number of chili peppers used.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the arepas to the skillet to ensure a crispy exterior.
• If you prefer a fully cooked egg, cover the skillet with a lid while cooking the arepas to help the egg cook through.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese, ham, or vegetables to create your own variations of Egg-Stuffed Arepas.

Serving advice

Serve the Egg-Stuffed Arepas warm as a delicious breakfast or brunch dish. They can also be enjoyed as a satisfying snack or light meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Egg-Stuffed Arepas on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color. Serve with a side of ají sauce for dipping.