Venezuelan Arepa with Beef and Cheese Recipe

Venezuelan Arepa with Juicy Beef and Cheese

Venezuelan cuisine is a vibrant and flavorful tapestry of ingredients and techniques that awaken the senses and nourish the soul. This exquisite dish is a true masterpiece of the region, combining the rustic simplicity of the arepa with the rich, juicy goodness of beef and the delightful creaminess of cheese. The arepa, a beloved staple of Venezuelan cuisine, is a cornmeal patty that is a vehicle for a variety of sumptuous fillings. This delightful recipe for two will guide you through the creation of a culinary delight that is sure to impress.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 200 grams of cornmeal
• 300 ml of water
• 5 grams of salt
• 15 ml of olive oil
• 200 grams of beef
• 100 grams of cheese
• 5 grams of garlic powder
• 5 grams of oregano
• 5 grams of black pepper

Method

• In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, water, and salt to form a smooth dough. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Divide the dough into four portions and shape them into round, flat discs about 1 cm thick.
• Heat 10 ml of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and cook the beef with garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper until the beef is tender and flavorful.
• Slice the cheese and add it to the skillet to melt over the beef.
• Slice the arepas in half and fill them with the beef and cheese mixture.
• Serve immediately with a side of fresh salad or your favorite sauce.

Tips

• To add extra flavor, consider topping the arepas with a touch of fresh salsa or your favorite Venezuelan sauce.
• For a more pronounced cheese flavor, consider using a robust cheese variety.

Nutritional Information