Arepas – fried cornmeal pockets stuffed with all the fillings you could ever want, like carnitas, spicy chicken, sweet potatoes, black beans, sauces, and more. THESE ARE SO GOOD!
Arepas with Carnitas and Sweet Potato
On the menu today and forever: arepas arepas arepas.
Just warning you in advance that you’re about to make a hot arepa mess and your life will never be the same.
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I made these on Saturday for lunch with pickled red onion, avocado, sauteed sweet potatoes and refried black beans – O.M.G. Amazing. I could literally eat these everyday for every meal. And they were super easy to make, too. Thank you for sharing this incredible, life-changing recipe! 😉
Jen V
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What Are Arepas?
These are a really big deal in my life right now.
Arepas! Have you had them? Let’s talk about what they are.
Okay, these gems are South American pockets of fried cornmeal-like dough (harina precocida if you want to get technical) and they’re stuffed with every possible good thing you could ever want stuffed in a pocket of fried cornmeal-like dough. You most commonly find them being made in Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Panama.
Dream with me for a minute here. Slow cooked carnitas. Chipotle chicken. Shredded beef. Grilled sweet potatoes. Slices of avocado and tomato and other vegetables that I can’t think of right now because THE MEATS. So distracted by the meats. Chimichurris and aiolis galore. Halloumi (except that one little detail that I’ve never actually made halloumi, but this idea is just coming to me right now and I sense that it would be so epic). Black beans. Fried plantains. Pickled red onion. Magic Green Sauce, but I mean, obviously.
Watch How To Make Arepas
What Arepas Are Made Of
I first jumped on the arepa train when my friend Melissa moved to Minneapolis and introduced me to Hola Arepa which is an arepa hot spot here in our little city. And now here we are, making them at home.
Truth: anytime you come across a recipe that requires just *ONE* special ingredient, it can seem daunting and overwhelming and like you can’t even do it because WHAT IS THAT INGREDIENT.
But another truth: friends do not let friends miss out on food this good, so I’m gonna push you.
You’re going to need just ONE new ingredient. It’s called harina precocida or in more familiar terms, pre-cooked cornmeal.
How to Get Harina Precocida
I am generally not super pumped about buying food things online, but in this case I make an exception because overloaded carnitas sweet potato lightly fried arepas and straight-to-my-front-door 48 hour delivery – these are not things I take lightly. I buy this harina precocida on Amazon. For $8, you get a big bag of this stuff that makes you many arepas for many days, and it ships right to your front door in two days because Amazon loves us like that. You could also drive to a grocery store that specializes in Central or South America foods. But honestly. God bless Amazon Prime.
Now, this is important – this is not the same as masa harina which is uncooked. This version is COOKED which means you don’t need to bake it all the way through in the same way as you would with masa harina. I am not sure how substitutions would work – but from what I’ve read, the arepa flour really does get a better texture both inside and outside. #worthit
How To Make Arepas
Here’s what the arepa flour / precooked cornmeal looks like:
And here’s the sweet potatoes after you saute them and before you stuff them in the arepas with all your other toppings to the point where they become unrecognizable in the delicious mess:
And here’s where you form the dough discs into little 2-inch thick circles and pan-fry them over medium-high heat in a large skillet. You can fry them in vegetable oil or butter. Flip the arepas once they turn golden brown. If your pan is small, it helps to do this part in batches.
And here’s where the delicious arepa mess makes its way to your hungry mouth.
Like ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡.
Zero percent regrets. This is food straight from heaven. Pillowy and loaded with flavor.
Arepas: Frequently Asked Questions
This looks delicious! Any vegetarian protein ideas to put inside the arepas?
Shredded chipotle jackfruit would be delicious! Otherwise, the black beans will provide a protein boost, too.
What is the texture of the arepa like?
The texture of these is a little corn-cakey, so if the insides are a little sticky that’s okay and good.
How long do arepas last?
You can store any leftover fried arepas in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How do I make the pickled onions that go on top?
Thinly slice 1 red onion. Place the sliced onion in a jar and fill it about 1/3 of the way with white vinegar and the rest with water. Add a pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, give it a good shake, and toss it in the fridge for a couple hours to pickle them.
Are arepas gluten-free?
Yep! Precooked cornmeal is naturally gluten-free.
Note: I have studied arepa recipes a little bit to make sure I’m generally going in the right direction here, but as usual, I claim no authority or authenticity on my arepa skills other than THESE ARE DELICIOUS. If you want to share how YOU make arepas, I’d love to hear. Please leave a comment!
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Arepas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 arepas 1x
Description
Arepas – fried cornmeal pockets stuffed with all the fillings you could ever want, like carnitas, spicy chicken, sweet potatoes, black beans, sauces, and more. THESE ARE SO GOOD!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Arepas:
- 2 cups precooked cornmeal*
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- oil for pan frying
Filling Ideas:
- Carnitas (personal fave!) or Chipotle Shredded Chicken
- Magic Green Sauce or other sauce (umm, what other sauce would there be?)
- black beans
- sweet potatoes, sliced into thin pieces and sautéed in olive oil and salt until softened
- red onions (pickled? yum)
- Cotija cheese
Instructions
- Combine your ingredients: Mix the precooked cornmeal and the salt. Add the water and whisk remove any lumps, then stir until combined. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Form the arepas: Using your hands, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten in gently to create a disk, about 1 inch thick (see pictures).
- Fry the arepas: Heat a thin layer of oil (about 1/4 inch deep) in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the arepas and fry for about 6 minutes on both sides. The arepas should get a dry fried exterior without getting overly brown. Set on paper towels to drain and cool.
- Assemble: Cut the arepas in half and stuff with your fillings!
Notes
Nutrition info is just for arepas (no fillings).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Colombian
Keywords: arepa recipe, fried cornmeal, carnitas
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Filed Under: All Recipes Dairy-Free Dinner Gluten-Free Legume Main Dishes Meat and Chicken Recipes Sandwiches Slow Cooker Spring Sugar-Free Sweet Potato
July 22, 2021
Nice to meet you!
I’m Lindsay and I ♡ FOOD. I used to be a teacher, and now making food and writing about it online is my full-time job. I love talking with people about food, and I'm so glad you're here.
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as a Venezuelan who has been reading POY for a while now i feel super honored to see arepas in here! <3 this is my everyday breakfast -a lighter version though- It's never too late to jump on the arepa's train! 😀 Cheers!
Okay tell me all about your lighter version. Because I plan to eat these every day from here on out and I need to know how to not gain 50 arepa pounds.
Oh well, arepas are infinite things! you can make arepas dough with lots of different flavour (cilantro, basil, black beans, chili pepper), you can also add chia, oats or flax seeds to it to make it more toasty and crunchy <3 the lighter version has a lot to do to the filling though; for everyday arepas you can fill it with scrambled eggs or avocado and cheese or shredded chicken with avocado, or, if youre feeling a little creative, you can fill it with cheese and tajadas (wich are made with fried ripe plantains) POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS WITH AREPAS! 😀
I love arepas with carrot, Blend a carrot with the water that you’ll mix with the corn flour (best is PAN).
For breakfast i love avocado and straight egg.
Also like fried plantains in it (not for diets.
but truly, arepas, avocado and the extra of your preference will add a pinch of “yumminess” to your tummy
Oh my days. I have some of that masa harina in my cupboard as I love using it to make my own corn tortillas but arepas are new to me and oh my goodness I must try them!!!
I don’t tend to last with email subscriptions but OH MY GOD the stuff you send over is so amazingly iwantitrightnow that i’ll never unsubscribe. This recipe is being done…twice!
Haha – great to hear that. Thanks Fiona!
I have never heard of these but I am seriously determined to try them!
Oh man, I think you would love them. Also not if but when you and Naomi make it to Minneapolis (it’s my dream to have you guys teach a workshop together in our studio), we will take you out to Hola Arepa. 😉
So funny to see that you posted this today! I literally just bought arepas at Whole Foods this weekend to try. Definitely want to try this recipe but with some veggie meat instead!
http://www.sprinklesandsaturdays.com
OMG! I wouldn’t say no to these arepas! I have never even heard of them before but they just look so tasty! If I ever get my hands on precooked cornmeal I will definitely try to make them!
I rarely comment on blogs but OMG – THANK YOU for posting this recipe. Hola Arepa is a fav restaurant here in Minneapolis and the fact that I could possibly make arepas for days at home is the best thing ever!
I told Melissa – we’re going to save so much money on this! 😀
Wow! Those look really good!
Hola Arepa is amazing! You are probably going to need to replicate their Yucca Fries now too….for good measure
Yes! And dang did I spell yuca wrong?! Fail. Going to fix that now.
yes please. yes please to all of those on your counter that you were making. all. of. them. I can’t think of a thing right now that doesn’t sound good stuffed into one of these beauties. The possibilities are endless….
Right? 🙂 Thanks Angelita!
OMG I LOVE YOU FOR THIS. I went to Hola Arepa with Melissa and some other bloggers when I was in town for your workshop, and it was sooooo good. I’m pretty sure I got the carnitas/sweet potato one you’re talking about. LIFE CHANGING. Oh my god. I can’t wait to make this at home. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
wohoooo! arepas for life! 🙂 Enjoy Sara!
Likewise! As Venezuelan with a deep love for food, I’m really honored whilst reading at this post! (I’ve been also following POY for a while now)
Another option to try with Arepas: fill it with octopus cooked in vinegar and a soft white cheese… It’s delicious!
Cheers and keep posting good recipes!
Likewise! As Venezuelan and a food lover, I feel also honored whilst reading at this post! I’ve been following POY for a while and recipes are really great!
Another option with Arepas; fill it with octopus cooked in vinegar and a soft white cheese, the outcome is amazing!
Chhers and keep posting good recipes!
Oh my gosh, too bold for me I think!! If you were making it for me, I might feel differently, but myself cooking octopus doesn’t sound like a great idea. haha. Baby steps! Thanks for the comment Jose!
I’ve always wanted to make homemade arepas, ever since I ate at Hola Arepa. I think with this recipe, I’ll finally be able to do it!
I have never heard of arepas! Must try!!! 🙂
Hola Arepa — YES. I was supposed to have dinner there on Friday, but timing just didn’t work out. Sometime soon I hope!
I ate a lot of arepas in Colombia and have been wanting to make them ever since. These look incredible!
Hope you enjoy them, Heather!
Man, these look so amazing!!! I’ve never heard of them!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Thanks, Kari! 🙂
Great recipe! Nice photos too. I can’t wait to make my own arepas! Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE arepas!! If you’re in DC, find the Arepazone food truck, or better yet, head to Union Market to feast on these amazing little creations. SO excited you shared a recipe Lindsay! Can’t wait to try them 🙂
Thanks for the suggestions, MB! 🙂
I’m Venezuelan and I’m so excited that arepas are featured on your blog! They’re the absolute best and I want EVERYONE to know about them. Also they’re so versatile and perfect for every meal. Breakfast? Arepas with scrambled eggs, avocado and bacon. Lunch? Ham and cheese arepas. Dinner? Arepas with beans, pulled pork and some fried plantains. All the yums. Also, eggs benedict (my fav) with arepas as the base? SO good.
Love these ideas! 🙂 Thanks for the comment, Grace!
Come on now, Lindsay. Now you’ve got this pregnant mama thinking about driving cross town at 9:15 p.m. for an arepa.
In your research, did you stumble across any ideas for sauce alternatives beyond the magic green sauce?? I didn’t get a confident answer on if fresh basil exists in Hola Arepa’s sauce, and I felt a little itchy after trying it…would love to try this at home with a few alternatives.
Magic Green Sauce is our go-to, but these would be great with some sort of spicy aioli or chimichurri too!
You speak to my sooooouull. Finally just got my better half out to Hola’s b-day party yesterday, and luckily he agrees we will be back often! Because yaaasss fried arepa dough. Now we can tide ourselves over between visits–woohoo!
Glad to hear it, Anna! 🙂
Love this recipe so much
Thanks Kani!
Looks DELICIOUS Lindsay!! <3
Thanks, Brooklyn!