badge-gluten-freenut-arepa-tradicional-venezolana

While we are told as a popular saying that every man is born with bread under his arm, Venezuelans say that we are born with an arepa under the arm. Being inside or outside the country arepa represents us and in it turn thousands of memories from childhood into our adulthood.

The traditional venezuelan arepa is so noble and versatile than just being a mixture of corn, water and salt, disc-shaped and baked on a griddle (particularly called aripo) it can satisfy hunger at any time of day. Its neutral taste allows to eat it with countless preparations as filler and here lies the interesting thing; each filling requires knowledge of our kitchen that as simple as it seems is full of techniques as well as traditions.

The most common fillings are the pepiada queen, meatloaf, the shredded chicken, beans and cheese and each of these in combination with the arepa get a popular name which evokes great stories but mostly national identity.

Arepa + meatloaf = pelua

Arepa + chicken larded = catira

Arepa + black beans + cheese = domino

Three of the many examples we could cite, and that henceforth we will explain its preparation. A particular fact is that our arepas are made with precooked corn flour, which makes them gluten free and in turn super-digestible and suitable for coeliacs.

Since I came to Italy I have never missed an arepa to celebrate the best moments. Arepa fills me with energy, nourishes my body and soul.

Ingredients

corn-flour 1 kg. of Pre-cooked corn flour
water 1 ¼ lt of Water
salt 1 teaspoon Salt

Utensils

Bowl
Skillet
Spoon

Preparation

  1. In a bowl pour the water and add salt. Once diluted begin to incorporate the corn flour and, with continuous movements, knead into a homogenous compound. Let stand for 3-5 minutes. The dough will harden a bit so you should rehydrate kneading vigorously to regain its soft and pliable texture.

  2. With the help of a scale, spread the dough into balls about 150-180 grams and crush until the shape of a thick disc that will change depending on the taste of each.

  3. In a griddle greased with oil and medium heat, broil on both sides until golden brown.

  4. You can cover them, to effect oven and help the internal cooking of the arepa or you can place them directly in the oven until puffed a bit (sign that they are well cooked).