Description
Homemade Arepas with Reina Pepiada is a traditional Venezuelan dish featuring delicious, crispy cornmeal patties stuffed with a creamy chicken and avocado filling. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
For Arepas:
- 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (P.A.N. brand or similar)
- 2½ cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus extra for cooking)
For Reina Pepiada Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the pre-cooked cornmeal, salt, and vegetable oil. Gradually add warm water while stirring until the dough is smooth and homogenous. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to hydrate.
- Shape the arepas: Divide the dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten to form discs about 4-5 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.
- Cook the arepas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush with vegetable oil. Cook the discs for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Optionally, transfer arepas to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes for extra crispiness and thorough cooking.
- Prepare the Reina Pepiada filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, finely chopped onion, cilantro, and jalapeño if using. In a separate bowl, mash the avocado with mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth. Blend the avocado mixture into the chicken mixture until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the arepas: Slice a pocket in each arepa by cutting an opening on one side. Stuff generously with the Reina Pepiada filling.
- Serve: Serve the filled arepas immediately while warm, or keep covered to retain heat until ready to serve.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked cornmeal is essential for proper texture and ease of preparation.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity depending on preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- For extra crispiness, finish cooking arepas in the oven after pan-frying.
- Reina Pepiada filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arepa with filling
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
