Venezuelan Arepas with Flavorful Beef Filling and Zesty Avocado Sauce

Venezuelan Arepas with Flavorful Beef Filling and Zesty Avocado Sauce

Venezuelan Arepas are scrumptious cornmeal cakes, crispy on the outside and soft inside, often stuffed with a variety of delightful fillings. This recipe features a luscious beef filling complemented by a vibrant and zesty avocado sauce, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the Arepas:
– 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (Harina P.A.N.)
– 2 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Beef Filling:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Zesty Avocado Sauce:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Arepas:
1. Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked white cornmeal, warm water, and salt. Stir until smooth and the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
2. Forming the Arepas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball into a disk about 1/2-inch thick.
3. Cooking the Arepas: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake them in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prepare the Beef Filling:
1. Cooking the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Adding Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, cumin, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
3. Seasoning: Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

Prepare the Zesty Avocado Sauce:
1. Combining Ingredients: In a small bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth.
2. Mixing: Stir in the lime juice, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, and salt to taste. Mix until well combined.

Assembling the Arepas:
1. Creating a Pocket: Once the arepas are cooked, slice them open horizontally, creating a pocket but not cutting all the way through.
2. Filling: Stuff the arepas with the flavorful beef filling.
3. Adding Sauce: Drizzle or spread a generous amount of zesty avocado sauce over the beef filling.

Serving: Serve the arepas warm as a main course or snack. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or plantains on the side. Enjoy this delightful Venezuelan treat!