Arepas are eaten at any time of day, as a snack or as part of a meal. They are also REALLY easy to make, but I think it might be helpful to see how it’s done – hence the reason I decided to make this video.
As a quick aside, I just want to say thanks to my darling husband/cameraman for putting up with a very bossy director.
Here is the recipe as it appears on the back of the bag:
Arepas
2 ½ cups of lukewarm water
2 cups of Harina P.A.N
1 tsp salt
Pour water in a bowl
Add the salt
Add the P.A.N. Corn Meal
Knead until smooth and form
The package instructions end there, so here are the directions for the two varieties in the video.
Arepas Fritas
Once formed, carefully drop the arepas into a deep fryer or a pot filled with hot oil and fry for approx 4-6 min or until golden.
Arepas Asadas
Once formed, place the arepas in a lightly greased hot skillet. Cook approx 2-4 min per side or until the arepa is lightly charred.
Transfer the arepas to an oven that has been pre-heated to 350. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until arepa makes a hollow sound when tapped.(refer to video.)
I‘ve had spotty luck finding Harina P.A.N. in NYC and LA, so I assume it must be similarly difficult, if not more so, in other areas. If you’re in Miami, however, you should have no problem finding it in a store. My mom often sends me a couple of packages, but when I don’t have that luxury, I just order it on Amazon.
Venezuelans have a few varieties of fresh cheeses, the most common of which is simply called Queso Blanco – white cheese. I have had better luck finding this in stores than the Harina P.A.N., however, if you can’t find it, Mexican fresh cheeses are pretty similar are more even more commonly found in grocery stores.
To make a Pabellón feast, serve the arepas with carne mechada and caraotas negras.
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