Masarepa - found in the Latin section of supermarkets.Butter – butter creates a light and tender texture.Mozarella – optional, but makes the arepas even tastier.
Make the Dough - Mix flour, salt, melted butter, water. Stir until smooth. Add more flour/water if needed. Rest for 5 minutes. Form dough into flattened balls. Add cheese if desired. Place on greased parchment and repeat.
Fry the Dough - Fry in oil, flip until golden brown (5-8 min per side). Drain on paper towels. Cool on a wire rack. Split and add filling such as chicken, pork, guacamole, butter, or maple syrup, or enjoy plain.
Reheating - Bring arepas to room temp and preheat oven to 350℉/177℃. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Brush with water/butter, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes or until warm
Arepas make a great start to exploring Venezuelan cuisine. I love them filled with cheese and topped with meaty fillings. What are your favorite fillings? Let me know in the comments.