Colombian Carlitos with a Twist

Ingredients

• For the arepas: For the arepas:
• 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
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) beef, cooked and shredded 1 pound (450g) beef, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, warm water, and salt. Mix well until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball to form a disc, about ½ inch (1.3cm) thick.
3. 3.
   Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
5. 5.
   Add the shredded beef, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   To assemble the stuffed arepas, slice each arepa in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto the bottom half of each arepa. Top with the remaining arepa halves.
7. 7.
   Serve the stuffed arepas warm and enjoy!

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.
• Shredded beef — You can use leftover cooked beef or cook a beef roast specifically for this recipe. Shred the beef using two forks for a tender texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese on top of the filling before assembling the arepas.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sautéed vegetables.
• Serve the stuffed arepas with a side of Colombian-style salsa or guacamole for a refreshing and tangy accompaniment.
• Leftover stuffed arepas can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster oven or skillet for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chicken, pork, or vegetarian options like black beans and plantains.

Serving advice

Serve the stuffed arepas as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or Colombian-style rice and beans. They can also be enjoyed as a handheld snack or appetizer during social gatherings or parties.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed arepas on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for an appealing presentation. Serve them warm to showcase their enticing colors and textures.