Buy maize flour that has been pre-cooked, such as Harina P. A. N. , the classic flour used in Venezuela. This flour is gluten and preservative free and comes in both white and yellow. If maize flour isn’t available in your area, you can substitute it for fine-ground cornmeal or flour but make sure it is pre-cooked.
If the dough seems too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour and continue kneading. If the dough falls apart easily, add a tablespoon or two of warm water. Continue adding water until the dough has reached the correct texture.
If you want to save the arepas to be cooked later, you may cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days. You can freeze uncooked arepas, too. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a seal-able freezer container. They will keep this way for several months.
If you can’t find one of the traditional Venezuelan cheese varieties, you can substitute queso fresco or mozzarella. For a less traditional but equally delicious breakfast filling, try scrambled eggs and salsa.
Chicken salad and avocado. [3] X Expert Source Randall ChambersPersonal Chef Expert Interview. 26 October 2021. Combine chopped chicken meat, mayonnaise, diced onions, and diced celery with salt and pepper to taste. Spread it over one half of the arepa and add a few slices of avocado, then top with the other arepa half. Black beans and salsa. Spread black bean paste or whole black beans on one side of the arepa, and top with spicy salsa. You can also add a few slices of cheese to make the arepa richer.
Pulled or shredded beef, black beans, and fried plantains. This is the most classic version. Top the beef, beans and plantains with a fried egg and cheese to take it over the top.
