Dominican-style Arepa Reina Pepiada

Ingredients

In this Dominican adaptation of Arepa Reina Pepiada, we incorporate the vibrant flavors of the Dominican Republic. The traditional Colombian filling of chicken and avocado is enhanced with the addition of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, giving the dish a refreshing twist. This adaptation adds a touch of tropical sweetness to the classic recipe, making it uniquely Dominican. We alse have the original recipe for Arepa reina pepiada, so you can check it out.

• 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
• 1 cup (150g) cooked shredded chicken 1 cup (150g) cooked shredded chicken
• 1 ripe avocado, diced 1 ripe avocado, diced
• ½ cup (75g) diced mango ½ cup (75g) diced mango
• ½ cup (75g) diced pineapple ½ cup (75g) diced pineapple
• ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 8g
• 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 small portions and shape them into round patties.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the arepas until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, mango, pineapple, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   Slice the fried arepas in half horizontally. Spoon the chicken and fruit mixture onto the bottom half of each arepa. Top with the other half to form a sandwich.
6. 6.
   Serve the Dominican-style Arepa Reina Pepiada immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Avocado — Choose a ripe avocado that is slightly soft to the touch. To prevent browning, drizzle lime juice over the diced avocado.
• Mango — Select a ripe mango that is fragrant and yields slightly to pressure. Peel the mango and dice it into small pieces.
• Pineapple — Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Remove the skin and core, then dice the pineapple into small chunks.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped chili peppers to the chicken and fruit mixture.
• For a crispier arepa, you can toast the patties in a lightly oiled skillet before assembling the sandwich.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits like papaya or guava to add your own twist to the filling.
• If you don't have pre-cooked cornmeal, you can make your own by soaking dried corn kernels overnight, then grinding them into a fine meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Dominican-style Arepa Reina Pepiada as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a side salad or plantain chips for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the filled arepas on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for an attractive presentation. Serve them open-faced to showcase the colorful filling.