Recipe for Delicious and Flavorful Vegan Arepas with Avocado Salsa

Vegan Recipe – SOUTH AMERICA

Delicious and Flavorful Vegan Delights Inspired by South America

Arepas with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Introduction: Arepas are a beloved traditional Venezuelan dish made from maize flour, cooked to create a crispy outer layer while maintaining a soft and doughy inside. In this recipe, we elevate the classic arepa by filling it with a creamy and tangy avocado salsa, then garnishing it with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. This fusion of textures and flavors creates a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving a taste of Venezuelan cuisine.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the Arepas:

• 2 cups pre-cooked white or yellow maize flour (also known as masarepa)
• 2 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

For the Avocado Salsa:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Arepas:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the maize flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing with your hands to form a smooth dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s well combined and pliable.
2. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to form thick discs, about 4-5 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with vegetable oil.
4. Place the flattened dough discs onto the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning. The arepas should be crisp on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
5. Once cooked, transfer the arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing them open to create pockets for the filling.

For the Avocado Salsa:

1. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, chopped red onion, diced tomato, and chopped cilantro.
2. Drizzle the lime juice over the mixture and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
3. Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Assembly:

1. Carefully open each cooked arepa by slicing it horizontally, creating a pocket.
2. Fill each arepa with a generous amount of the avocado salsa, allowing it to spill out slightly.
3. Garnish the filled arepas with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
4. Serve the arepas with avocado salsa immediately as they’re best enjoyed while the arepas are still warm and crispy.

Tips:

• Precooked maize flour (masarepa) is specifically designed for making arepas and is available in most Latin American grocery stores.
• Make sure the water you use for the dough is warm, but not too hot, to facilitate proper dough formation.
• When shaping the arepas, wet your hands slightly to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers.
• Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft interior for the arepas.
• If you prefer a spicier salsa, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Enjoy these delicious arepas with avocado salsa as a flavorful and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Venezuelan cuisine!