Venezuela · Venezuelan

Venezuelan Arepas

A practical Venezuelan arepa recipe made with certified precooked corn flour, water and salt, with simple fillings that adapt by version and restriction.

Three golden Venezuelan arepas with different fillings served on a wooden plate.
Country
Venezuela
Cuisine
Venezuelan
Servings
2
Prep
10 min
Cook
18 min
Total
28 min

Makes 4 small arepas, enough for 2 servings.

Fillings are optional and can change the diet and allergy tags.

Servings

Customize this recipe

Servings

Version

Intolerance / Allergy

Servings: 2 · Version: Classic

Classic

The familiar cheese-filled arepa style, with fresh white cheese as an optional filling.

Version

  • Classic

Free from

  • Gluten
  • Egg

Allergy notes

  • Milk protein

Ingredients

  • 200 g certified precooked white corn flour Use certified gluten-free masarepa-style flour, not raw cornmeal or polenta.
  • 250 ml warm water
  • 3 g fine salt
  • 5 ml neutral oil Use just enough to lightly coat the pan.
  • 80 g fresh white cheese, optional Optional filling. Contains milk.

Cooking methods

Pan

  1. Mix the dough

    Add the warm water and salt to a bowl. Sprinkle in the corn flour gradually while mixing with your hand or a spoon until a soft, hydrated dough forms.

  2. Rest and shape

    Rest the dough for 5 minutes so the flour hydrates. Divide it into 4 pieces and shape each one into a thick disc about 1.5 cm deep.

  3. Cook on the pan

    Warm a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Cook the arepas for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the surface is dry with golden patches.

  4. Open and fill

    Let the arepas cool for 2 minutes, then split them open with a knife. Add cheese, avocado, beans or another filling you like.

Oven

  1. Start in the pan

    Prepare and shape the dough as above. Sear the arepas in a lightly oiled pan for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

  2. Finish in the oven

    Move the arepas to a 200 C oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until they feel firm and sound slightly hollow when tapped.

Air fryer

  1. Shape and coat lightly

    Prepare and shape the dough as above. Brush or spray the arepas lightly with oil.

  2. Air-fry

    Cook at 190 C for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until firm and lightly golden.