I need Help... Making Arepas for my Colombian wife tonight

Kojaku says on Jun 26, 2004, 16:13:

I Meant "PLAIN" arepas, not "palin" ones. (Although all arepas are delicious!)

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jun 26, 2004, 16:22:

you wanted plain arepas? There's instructions on the bag, I'm sure. My arepamix does: 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 cups water , a little salt. Blend well, knead a bit, form the arepas and grill them for a few minutes each side.

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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ShazCas says on Jun 27, 2004, 05:52:

Arepas Kojaku, your technique sounds right to me, except that maybe you cooked them for too long. Were they hard? Or maybe you didn't put enough salt in them, they take quite a lot of salt. Another thing to bear in mind is that the corn flour the Mexicans use to make tortillas is different because it's rougher and they grind the corn with chalk and that makes it different. Unfortunately, that's the only kind we can get in Scotland, so we have to put up with inferior arepas :-(

I would kill for a nice cheesy arepa made in one of those ovens they use on the street in Colombia. YUM!! My husband's just gone back to Bogota for a month to see his family, and I've made him promise to bring me back some Doña Arepa flour.

Anyway, it's really sweet that you cooked a Bandeja Paisa for your wife, and I'm sure she loved it anyway, even if the arepas weren't perfect!

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Tommy529 says on Jun 29, 2004, 07:33:

Try substituting milk and butter for the water and oil. The previous post is probably right about the type of flour used.

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Pioly says on Jun 29, 2004, 16:44:

Yes in fact Maseca does not work. I don't know how is in Scotland but here in the US at the neighborhood were Colombian people tend to settle there are many grocery stores that offer Colombian products; if there is one overthere try buying Areparina (I found this site that has a picture in it http://www.tupaisencasa.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=139)
Also Colombian arepas in fact are grilled not fried, you will need to get an (asador de arepas) if not available any non-stickable pan will do in slow heat.
The water needs to be hot when added and try to make them not to thick because the interior will not be cooked.
Good Luck!!!! I am hungry now!!!

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Gringopaisa says on Jul 11, 2004, 22:27:

¡Arepas! a recipe My wife can't live without them, and now I can't either. Try this recipe:

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1.5 cups white arepa flour (masarepa or arepaharina)
1 teaspoon salt
1.5 tablespoons sugar
1 cup grated processed mozzarella cheese (not the fresh Italian variety)
Vegetable oil for the griddle
1.25 cups finely grated queso blanco for serving

1. In a small saucepan bring 1.5 cups of the milk to a boil. Stain into a bowl and add the butter. Let stand.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the masarepa, salt, sugar and mozzarella. Maek a well in the center and pour in the hot milk. Stir the "masa" and milk together until smooth. Knead the mixture, sprinkling the remaining milk, until the dough is smooth and sticky. This is about 5 minutes.

3. Roll the dough into a 1/2 inch thick sheet between 2 pieces of wax paper. With a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out approx. 3" circles. You should get about 8.

4. Brush a skillet/griddle lightly with oil and preheat over medium-low heat. Fry as many arespa as will fit, until they are soft within and golden and slightly crusty outside. About 4 minutes for each side. Keep separating the arepas from the grill so they don't stick. Put the finshed areas in a warm oven on low heat.

5. To serve, spear some butter with a fork and brush the arepas while still hot. Immediately sprinkle with grated cheese and enjoy!

– This recipe is from the book "Fiesta: a Celebration of Latin Hospitality" which I highly recommend.

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emero says on Jul 12, 2004, 03:45:

We managed to get some speciality flour from Sainbury's which was actually quite good


I didn't make the arepas my novio did I'd never had them before
they were really yummy..
When we are next in London we will stock up on a few things

I understand what my colombian man means by masa now!

I'll pass on this recipe to him too it looks great



hugs Diane x

hugs Diane x

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ShazCas says on Jul 13, 2004, 07:51:

Thanks for the tip on Sainsbury's, emero, there's a big one near me, so I'm popping down there soon with my fingers crossed!

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RAnglada says on Jul 15, 2004, 04:49:

Arepa
Well, I know the flour here in U.S. cannot be used.
My wife makes them all the time and does the American
add thing (left overs). There is a Mexican store where
she buys the flour. If you can type Spanish, you can
contact her at Enbugo at yahoo.com and she could tell you.

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