Recipe
Colombian Crispy Arepas
Golden Cornmeal Delights: Crispy Colombian Arepas
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Colombian cuisine with these mouthwatering Crispy Arepas. Made from cornmeal and fried to perfection, these golden delights are a staple in Colombian households and street food stalls.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
10 minutes
Total time
25 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan (if filled with plant-based ingredients), Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Low-fat
Ingredients
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2 cups (240g) pre-cooked cornmeal 2 cups (240g) pre-cooked cornmeal
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1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water
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1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
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Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Salt: 0.6g
Preparation
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1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt.
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2.Gradually add warm water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and not too sticky.
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3.Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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4.Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a round disc, about ½ inch (1.3cm) thick.
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5.Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
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6.Carefully place the arepas in the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
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7.Once cooked, transfer the arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
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8.Serve the Crispy Arepas warm and enjoy them plain or filled with your favorite savory or sweet fillings.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Pre-cooked cornmeal — Ensure you are using pre-cooked cornmeal specifically made for arepas, as regular cornmeal will not yield the same results. Adjust the amount of water added to achieve the desired dough consistency.
Tips & Tricks
- For added flavor, you can incorporate grated cheese or corn kernels into the dough before shaping the arepas.
- To ensure even cooking, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the arepas.
- If the arepas are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent them from burning.
- Experiment with different fillings such as shredded chicken, beef, black beans, or guacamole to create a variety of delicious combinations.
- Leftover arepas can be reheated in a toaster or oven to regain their crispiness.
Serving advice
Serve the Crispy Arepas warm, either as a standalone snack or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or salsa. They are also perfect for breakfast or brunch, served with scrambled eggs and avocado.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Crispy Arepas on a platter, showcasing their golden brown color and crispy texture. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color. Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or salsa.
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