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
| Nutrition | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (calories) | 200 | 500 |
| Energy (kilojoules) | 837 | 2092 |
| Fat (g) | 10 | 25 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 4 | 10 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 25 | 62.5 |
| Sugars (g) | 1 | 2.5 |
| Proteins (g) | 15 | 37.5 |
| Salt (g) | 1 | 2.5 |
