An arepa is a flattened bread or tortilla that is made with corn flour.
The etymology of arepa leads us to cumanagoto erepa , which can be translated as “corn” . The term refers to different gastronomic preparations according to the region.
At a general level, arepa is a type of tortilla or bread that is made with corn flour . Its ingredients and preparation vary depending on the country.
History of the arepa
The origins of the arepa are very distant. The native settlers of America already consumed this product before the arrival of Europeans to the continent .
Corn is the key element that explains the importance of the arepa. This plant , thanks to its ears, had a very relevant presence in the diet of pre-Columbian peoples. Due to its nutritional contributions, it was even considered a divine offering to human beings.
In this framework, the grinding of corn and the creation of arepas were logical steps in feeding these communities. It was common for women to be in charge of making these breads or tortillas, whose popularity continues to this day.
Arepas can be eaten in different ways.
Its characteristics
In Venezuela , Colombia and the Antilles , today it is understood that an arepa is a flattened, circular bread made with ground white or yellow corn and cooked on a griddle.
Beyond regional varieties, the first step of the recipe usually involves soaking the grains and then grinding them into flour. The work continues with the creation of a dough from the mixture of said flour with water. The dough is made into small balls that are finally flattened for cooking on the griddle.
Although the tortilla is called arepa, the notion also refers to the finished dish that includes the filling or the accompaniment of the dough. Depending on the ingredients chosen, the arepa is eaten for breakfast , lunch , snack or dinner , either as a side dish or as the main meal.
It should be noted that it is possible to get corn flour to prepare arepas at home or purchase bread already ready to heat. Arepas are also sold directly filled for consumption in street stalls, markets and restaurants.
Arepa fillings
Although arepas can be eaten alone, they are usually stuffed or accompanied. The options are multiple and are associated with the gastronomic traditions of each place.
Cheese is a frequent addition. Many times it is chosen to combine cheese with meat , whether cow , chicken , pork or another animal. The inclusion of vegetables and legumes is also common.
A sweet preparation
Cuban arepas are characterized by containing wheat flour and being sweet . In this case, the recipe includes the use of wheat flour, milk, vanilla and sugar for the dough, which is fried and coated with syrup , honey or syrup .
Breakfast and snack are the usual times for consuming Cuban arepas, which are also chosen as desserts . The distinctive touch is in the bathroom that is selected at the end.