Arepas are the foundation of Venezuelan cuisine. They are cornbread rounds made with water, salt and pre-cooked cornmeal formed into flat, round dough and then fried or baked. Arepas have also been acknowledged as the best breakfast in the world. In Venezuela, arepas are eaten every day. Traditionally, arepas were eaten primarily as a bread. When arepas (the word is also used to denote the restaurants serving arepas) started growing in popularity, people became more innovative with the filling ingredients. This made arepas more popularly known as delicious sandwiches.

 

You do not need to fly to Venezuela to have arepas… You’ll only need four ingredients to make your own arepas at home. Once you’ve made them, they will surely be your new favorite gluten-free, vegan bread. We love them and make them every single weekend!

- 2 ½ cups of tepid water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups of P.A.N. pre-cooked white cornmeal
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- Shredded beef and shredded cheese (called Pelua)

- Avocado with chicken (called Reina Pepiada)

- Black beans and white shredded cheese (called Domino)

Honestly, you can fill them with whatever you want: ham and cheese, turkey and eggs, ground fish, etc.

This recipe takes between 10 to 30 minutes to make. Put warm water and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually sprinkle corn meal while stirring with a fork until you form a dough. Divide the dough into 8 and form into patties. Place the arepas on a grilled pan until you can fill a hard shell. Makes 8 arepas.