Arepas: A Shared Passion of Colombia and Venezuela

Welcome back to our exciting culinary journey through Latin America on the UniMarket Recipes blog. Today, we're about to embark on a delightful exploration of a beloved dish that transcends borders - the Arepas.

Picture this: golden and crispy on the outside while soft, warm, and slightly creamy on the inside. Arepas are gluten-free corn cakes that have been cherished in the cuisines of Colombia and Venezuela for centuries. They're traditionally enjoyed for breakfast in Colombia but can be savored at any time of the day, just like in Venezuela. It's a truly comforting culinary experience that we're about to bring to your own kitchen.

So, let's dive into the recipe, shall we? 

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of pre-cooked white cornmeal (Harina Pan)
• 2 cups of warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (for cooking)
  
  

Now, let's get cooking with these simple steps: 

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the salt in warm water. Gradually add the cornmeal, kneading with your hands until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into eight equal parts and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball between your palms to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
3. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the arepas on each side for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
4. Serve the arepas warm. Get creative and fill them with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or shredded chicken (Venezuelan Style). Or, embrace the Colombian style and add any topping on top!

This delightful recipe of Arepas captures the essence of Latin America, introducing you to the comforting and nourishing flavors of Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine. Remember, cooking is an art that thrives on love and creativity.

Here's a fun fact: There's an ongoing friendly dispute between Colombia and Venezuela about the origins of this delightful dish. Both nations claim Arepas as their own, and it has become a beloved staple food in both cultures. Regardless of their contested origins, what's undeniable is that Arepas have gained worldwide recognition for their versatility and delectable taste. Whether you're Team Colombia or Team Venezuela, we can all agree that a world with Arepas is a delicious place to be!

As we continue our culinary tour, stay tuned for more exciting and mouth-watering recipes from Latin America. So, grab your apron, head to our UniMarket online store or physical store for all the ingredients, and let's embark on this culinary adventure together. Enjoy this culinary journey, amig@s, and stay tuned for more delicious recipes from UniMarket.