Arepas are a beloved staple in Colombia and Venezuela. Made from a special pre-cooked maize meal (masarepa), these versatile patties are cooked on a griddle and can be filled or topped with anything you desire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pre-cooked white or yellow maize meal (masarepa)
- 2½ cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional)
- Oil or butter for the griddle
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and salt.
- Gradually add the masarepa, mixing with your hands until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and has no lumps.
- Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes to fully hydrate.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
- Gently flatten each ball between your palms to form a disc about ½-inch thick.
- Lightly oil a griddle or non-stick skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown with a crispy crust.
- Serve hot. You can top them with cheese or split them open to fill with your favorite ingredients.
