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How To Make Arepas + Filling Ideas Recipe

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Learn how to make traditional Venezuelan arepas using pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa) with step-by-step instructions and ideas for delicious vegan fillings. These crispy yet soft corn cakes are perfect for stuffing with a variety of plant-based ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Arepa Dough

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa), such as Donarepa, Goya Masarepa, or P.A.N.
  • Oil for cooking (vegetable or canola oil)

Filling Ideas (optional)

  • Homemade refried beans
  • Vegan mozzarella
  • Vegan scrambled eggs
  • Vegan “meat” such as jackfruit or mushrooms
  • Fresh veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: Pour the warm water into a large bowl and add the salt. Gradually sprinkle in the pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa), stirring between each addition to prevent lumps.
  2. Knead and Rest: Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, knead gently with your hands for about one minute until smooth. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. It should be moist but not sticky. Adjust by adding a little more water if too dry or more flour if too wet.
  3. Shape the Arepas: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, around 110-120 grams each. Roll each into a ball and flatten into disks about 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.5-2 cm) thick. Smooth over any cracks with wet fingers.
  4. Cook on the Stovetop: Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat and swirl in some oil. Cook 3 arepas at a time, about 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
  5. Optional Baking for Extra Crispiness: For very crispy arepas, bake them in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for 10 minutes after stovetop cooking.
  6. Stuff the Arepas: Let the arepas cool for a few minutes. Using a serrated knife and holding the arepa with a kitchen towel, cut about 3/4 of the way around to create a pocket. Fill with your preferred vegan fillings such as refried beans, vegan cheese, scrambled eggs, jackfruit, mushrooms, or fresh vegetables.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stuffed arepas warm and enjoy a traditional Venezuelan-inspired meal packed with flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa), NOT regular corn flour, polenta, or cornmeal to ensure proper dough texture.
  • Popular masarepa brands include Donarepa, Goya Masarepa, and P.A.N.
  • If you have celiac disease, check masarepa packaging for gluten contamination warnings as some brands may be processed in facilities handling wheat.
  • Fillings can be varied to your taste—try vegan refried beans, vegan mozzarella, scrambled plant-based eggs, jackfruit, mushrooms, or fresh and pickled vegetables.
  • A serrated knife works best when cutting the arepas to prevent crumbling.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/how-to-make-arepas-filling-ideas-recipe/