Arepas Sencillas de Maíz

Latin American · Venezuela

Arepas Sencillas de Maíz

Crispy golden cornmeal pockets naturally gluten-free and ready to be stuffed with beans or cheese.

26 min Easy Serves 4$1.98 estimated
Dairy-free
Gluten-free
Halal
Vegan
Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • Maize flour

    300 g maize flour

    $0.33
  • Salt

    400 ml warm water

    $0.01
  • Vegetable oil

    1 tbsp vegetable oil

    $0.06
  • Black beans

    1 tin black beans

    $1.00
  • Red onion

    1 small red onion

    $0.18
  • Lime

    1 fresh lime

    $0.40

Prices are estimates from our ingredient database and vary by market.

Preparation

  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and 1 teaspoon of salt.

  2. 2

    Gradually pour in the maize flour while kneading with your fingers until a smooth, pliable dough forms with no cracks.

  3. 3

    Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then divide into 4 equal portions and shape into 1.5 cm-thick round patties.

  4. 4

    Lightly brush a skillet or griddle with vegetable oil over medium heat.

  5. 5

    Cook the arepas for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until a crisp golden crust forms and they sound hollow when tapped.

  6. 6

    Meanwhile, warm the black beans in a small pot and toss with finely sliced red onion and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

  7. 7

    Slice the cooked arepas horizontally three-quarters of the way through and stuff with the seasoned warm black beans.

Masa harina or precooked cornmeal is widely available in supermarkets and Latin grocers.