Arepas are one of my favorite dishes from Colombia. If you don’t know what an arepa is, it is a type of tortilla made from corn. You can eat them with a cup of hot chocolate for breakfast, or as a side dish with dinner. I was lucky enough to have my dad teach me how to make authentic arepas before moving to Chicago. Here’s how you can make them too!

Recipe

Ingredients

– 4 cups precooked white corn meal
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tsps salt
– 3 cups queso blanco
– 5 1/2 cups water

Instructions

1. Place corn meal into a large bowl. Grate the cheese and add it to the meal.
2. Add 3 cups of water to the meal and cheese mixture.
3. Melt the butter and add to the mixture.
4. Place 1 cup of warm water in a small bowl and use it to dissolve the salt. Add salt water to dough.
5. Mix dough with a wooden spoon to combine all of the ingredients. Slowly add the remaining water while continuing to mix the dough.
6. Use your hands to mix dough until it is firm.
7. Once the dough is firm, roll it into balls about 1.5″ in diameter.
8. Use your hands to flatten the balls into 1/4″ thick circles.
9. Grease a pan and place on medium heat. Cook each side of the arepa for about 5-6 minutes.

Enjoy!