Karol Smith
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!
