Meat-Stuffed Arepas

17/11/2023

Arepas are a typical dish of Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine, but I can suggest an Italian variation for stuffing them. Here’s how to prepare arepas with a meat filling in the traditional way, and then I’ll give you a tip on how to Italianize the recipe.

Ingredients

For the arepas:

2 cups of pre-cooked corn flour (type P.A.N.)
2 and 1/2 cups of hot water
1 teaspoon of salt

For the meat filling:

500 g of ground meat (beef or pork)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Optional spices to taste (cumin, coriander, etc.)

Preparation

Start by preparing the dough for the arepas by mixing the pre-cooked corn flour with salt in a large bowl. Gradually add hot water and knead by hand until the mixture is homogeneous and doesn’t stick to your hands. If necessary, add more water or flour to reach the desired consistency.
Divide the dough into portions and shape into balls, then flatten them into discs about 1 cm thick.
Heat a non-stick pan and cook the arepas for about 5-6 minutes per side, until they are golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until they become transparent.
Add the ground meat and cook until well browned, crumbling it with a spoon.
Add the chopped bell pepper and tomatoes, season with salt, pepper and chosen spices and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the filling is well cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Once the arepas and meat are ready, cut the arepas in half (but not completely), and stuff them with the meat.

For an Italian twist, you might prepare a filling with ground meat, tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and perhaps a pinch of oregano to evoke the taste of a classic Bolognese sauce or even a pizza. It’s worth experimenting with local ingredients to achieve a unique dish!

Curiosity

Arepas are so versatile that they can be eaten at different times of the day, from breakfast to dinner, and are also perfect as a snack. Additionally, arepas can be stuffed with a wide variety of ingredients, including cheese, beans, avocado, and much more.