Fried Egg Arepas Recipes

HOW TO MAKE AREPAS (3 INGREDIENTS!)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Set out a baking sheet and line with parchment paper. And to a large mixing bowl, add water and salt. Stir to combine and dissolve salt.
• A little at a time, add the areparina and stir with a whisk or your hands (our preferred method). You may work your way all the way up to two cups, although we typically have 1-2 Tbsp leftover. You're looking for a dough that doesn't easily stick to your hands, is moldable and moist, and can be rolled into a ball. Once you have that consistency, cover with a towel for 5 minutes. We did mix both white and yellow areparina as inspired by Teote (optional).
• Uncover, grab a large handful of dough, and roll into a ball (as the recipe is written, our batch made 6 large arepas, but it could also make 8-10 smaller arepas).
• Carefully press the ball between the palms of your hands to form into a roughly 1/2-inch thick disc (for thinner, crispier arepas, press closer to 1/4 inch). If it cracks a lot on the sides, your dough may need 1-2 (15-30 ml) more water. A little cracking is OK - just use your hands to close the cracks by gently patting along the edges (see photo).
• Once the arepas are formed, heat a large cast-iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little oil and swirl to coat. Then add arepas, giving them a little room in between so they don't touch. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until deep golden brown (a few blackened spots are OK). You're looking to form a crust. Then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more or until the underside is also browned.
• Transfer to your parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until slightly puffed up and a little more golden brown in color. Some people like to slice into them immediately, but I find they can be a little doughy in the middle at that stage, so I prefer to let them cool for 5-10 minutes and serve while they're warm but not piping hot.
• To enjoy, slice in half and enjoy as is, spread both sides with vegan butter and a little maple syrup (YUM), or cut the arepa 3/4 of the way around, leaving a seam on the edge so you can "stuff" it like a pita. Fillings could include everything from black beans to rice to guacamole or even our Vegan Barbacoa!
• Best when fresh. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month (cooked or uncooked). Reheat in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven until warmed through. If reheating frozen uncooked arepas, I'd recommend letting them thaw first and cooking them as instructed.

FRIED CAKES: AREPAS

Steps:

• Substitute butter for oil.
• Use 1 cup cornmeal; skip the flour and baking powder.
• Beat the egg with 1 cup milk and add 1 cup grated Cheddar; use just 1/2 cup corn kernels. (Batter will be thinner.)
• Cook like pancakes, until golden and fluffy.
• Garnish: Cheddar and avocado.

AREPAS DE HUEVOS

Steps:

• Mix corn meal, salt, and sugar together in a bowl. Add hot water and mix with your hands until a dough forms. Roll into a ball and let rest, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Fill a pot with about 4 inches of oil and heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Divide dough into 4 equal-sized balls. Set aside a small amount of dough for repairing holes after cooking. Place a dough ball onto a sheet of plastic wrap and place a second sheet of plastic wrap on top. Use a pan or plate to flatten the dough into a 1/4-inch thick round. Smooth edges of area with your fingers. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Place the arepas carefully into the hot oil and fry until puffed, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Remove arepas from the oil and drain on paper towels until cool until safe to handle.
• Cut a 3-inch hole near the edge of an arepa. Crack an egg into a small glass and carefully pour it into the hole in the arepa. Repair the hole quickly using reserved dough. Return the arepa to the oil and fry until egg is no longer runny, 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining arepas. Let cool briefly.

FRIED EGG AREPAS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, stir together the masarepa, 1 teaspoon salt, sugar, 1 cup hot water to form a stiff dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let stand for 20 minutes.
• Pour oil into a large Dutch oven to a depth of 2 inches and heat to 375°F.
• Divide dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Gently press each between 2 sheets of wax paper to form 4-inch wide rounds (about 1/3 inch thick). If edges crack, smooth and press edges together with hands.
• Fry the arepas in the heated oil until light golden and slightly puffed, about 3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Coll to room temperature, about 10 minutes. Keep oil hot.
• Using a small knife, cut a 2-inch slit along one edge of the arepa. Using a spoon, open a small pouch in the arepa without widening the slit. Crack one egg into a small cup, add a pinch of salt, then pour into arepa. Gently press the arepa closed, then carefully slip it into the hot oil.
• Fry until egg white is set and arepa is crispy, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining arepas, eggs, and salt.
• Serve with avocado slices, crumbly white cheese like queso fresco, hot sauce, and cilantro.