Explore the flavours of Colombia with me! Starting with the classic favourite: arepas. These tasty corn cakes are a staple in Colombian cooking, enjoyed by people all over the country.
In this blog, i’m sharing a super easy-to-follow recipe for authentic Colombian arepas. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, i’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to help you make the perfect arepa every time. Plus, did you know that you can make arepas anywhere in the world? That’s right! Even if you’re far from Colombia, you can still enjoy these delicious treats in your own kitchen.
As a Colombian living in The Netherlands, I’m passionate about bringing the flavors of my homeland to kitchens around the globe. Join me as we celebrate the diverse flavors and rich culture of Colombia through the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food.
So, put on your apron and let’s get started!
Why you’ll adore this recipe:
Versatility: Arepas are incredibly versatile! Whether enjoyed plain with a touch of butter or filled with an array of cheeses, vegetables, or meats, they never fail to satisfy.
Simplicity: With straightforward ingredients and an easy preparation process, making Colombian Arepas is a breeze.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those following a gluten-free diet, these corn cakes offer a delicious alternative to traditional bread.
What are Arepas?
Arepas are thick, soft cornmeal cakes crafted from pre-cooked corn flour. Shaped into disks and cooked on a griddle until tender, crispy, and golden brown, they resemble sandwiches, often filled with savory delights. Enjoyed for centuries across South America, arepas are beloved in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, and El Salvador.
These savory corn cakes have gained worldwide fame, thanks to the Madrigal family from the Disney movie Encanto. Colombian Arepas, featured as Julieta Madrigal’s (Mirabel’s mom) delicious healing treat, have captured hearts and taste buds alike.
How do you make Colombian Arepas?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups masarepa (such as P.A.N. – yellow packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 1 1/4 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
- Oil and butter for frying
How to make Colombian Arepas:
Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Prepare the arepa dough: Combine masarepa, salt, butter, and warm water in a medium bowl.
Knead and rest: Work the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the dough: With damp hands, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a ball and flatten into ¼ inch thick patties.
Cook: Fry the arepas on a stovetop in a nonstick skillet with oil and/or butter, on a buttered electric griddle, or in the air fryer until golden brown. Serve and enjoy.
What’s Masarepa?
Masarepa is pre-cooked, ground cornmeal primarily used to make arepas. With a mild sweet corn flavor reminiscent of corn tortillas but milder, it’s a staple in Latin American cuisine, especially in Venezuela, Colombia, and El Salvador.
Air Fryer Colombian Arepas:
To cook arepas in the air fryer, preheat to 350°F/180°C. Grease the basket, add the arepas, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more until lightly browned, adjusting for size and air fryer type.
Filling and Topping Ideas:
While arepas are delicious on their own, they’re delightful filled like sandwiches. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Avocado
- Cheese
- Slow-cooked shredded meat
- Reina pepiada (avocado & shredded chicken)
- Minced meat
- Vegetables
- Refried beans
- Black beans and Cotija cheese
Did you like this “Colombian Arepa” recipe? Here are other recipes you might like:
THE PERFECT LOW CARB DINNER: ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
ZUCCHINI CORN CHOWDER SOUP (VEGAN)
My goal is to get you to cook and experiment in the kitchen, even if you are not an expert. If you would like to get to know me more, follow me on instagram : Lifestylemartina. Looking forward to seeing you there!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please let me know in the comments below 
With love, Martina
Colombian Arepas
Ingredients
- 2 cups masaarepa I used the brand P.A.N. - yellow packet
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 1/4 cup warm water plus more if needed
- Oil and butter for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the arepa flour (masarepa), salt, softened butter, and warm water until well combined.
- Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Ensure that the dough is not sticky but has a consistency similar to homemade play-dough. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Check the dough's consistency by flattening a small amount between your palms. If the edges crack, the dough is too dry. Add water gradually, around one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes the consistency you are looking for.
- With lightly moistened hands, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into circles approximately 5 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick.
- Working with one circle at a time, place a desired filling in the center, leaving a small border around the edge. Top with another dough circle and seal the edges, smoothing them lightly with your palms to form a disk about ½ inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- To cook the arepas on the stove top: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. If using butter, heat the skillet first, then add and spread the butter to coat the surface. I recommend adding oil as well to the butter to prevent it of burning.
- To cook the arepas on an electric griddle: Preheat the griddle to 325°F/160°C. Add butter and spread it evenly to coat the surface.
- Place the prepared arepas on the skillet or griddle and cook, occasionally moving them around, for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and serve warm. Additional butter on top is optional but highly recommended.
Notes
1) In a medium bowl, mix together the masarepa, salt, softened butter, and warm water until well combined.
Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.
