I picked the letter ‘V’ and Venezuela for this week’s ‘blogging marathon’ theme. Arepas can be classified as ‘corn breads’. But unlike the American version, these Venezuelan ones are thick like tortillas. They have a crispy-chewy crust and a moist inside. Arepas are also popular in Colombia. But they are much thinner and are served folded instead of split in half. Also the filling differs in both the countries. Arepas have become quite popular in the US because of the increase in latin based food trucks. They offer a variety of choices with various meat and vegetarian fillings. But they are quite easy to make at home too.
Ingredients for Arepas:
This is basically a 4 ingredient recipe. The main ingredient is the masarepa precooked cornmeal. Harina PAN, Venezuelana or Goya are the most common brands that sell this type of masarepa. Check the package to see if it’s either manufactured or imported from Colombia or Venezuela. If it is then you are good to go. Also there is yellow and white Harina PAN and they can be used interchangeably. But make sure that you do not substitute with Mexican masa harina (that is used to make tamale and corn tortilla). The other ingredients needed are are salt, water and oil.
Vegan Filling Ideas:
Traditionally arepas are filled with meat like shredded beef, chicken or tuna. Black beans are also a common filling. So along with simple black bean and avocado filling, I also made a spicy vegan jackfruit filling. Recipe is my vegan adaptation of this Venezuelan pulled pork recipe. Jackfruit is a great vegan substitute to meat because of its texture and bland taste. It can take on any flavor that is added to it. Here are a couple of recipes using jackfruit as meat substitute that you might enjoy:
Vegan Chinese Bao BunsVegetarian Gyros with jackfruit
Few other vegan arepa filling ideas are: roasted plantains and avocado, sweet potato and avocado, roasted vegetables etc. The same filling can be used in tacos, enchiladas and even burritos. Make a Mexican bowl with cilantro rice, vegan filling and top it with salsa and enjoy.
How to make Vegan Venezuelan Style Arepas:
Arepas are quite easy to make if you have the right ingredients. Here’s how to make Venezuelan style arepas:
Combine precooked PAN cornmeal with salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add warm water to form a soft dough. Use your fingers to remove any lumps.. You want a smooth and soft pliable dough. Add more water, if the dough seems too stiff.Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll them into balls. Flatten the ball on your palm by gently patting it out. The resulting disc should be approximately 3.5"~4" wide and 1" thick.Gently place the 2~3 discs on a preheated, lightly greased skillet. Cook them for about 8~10 minutes on medium high until a crust is formed. Gently flip and cook for another 8~10 minutes. Transfer the arepas onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350F oven for 12~15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden on both sides.Arepas are ready to be sliced and filled.
Linking this to Valli’s BM# 109 and don’t forget to check out what my fellow marathoners have cooked up today.
