Venezuelan Arepas Food

HOW TO MAKE VENEZUELAN AREPAS

Steps:

• Wash your hands
• In a medium bowl add water and salt. Mix until the salt is dissolved.
• Slowly add the harina P.A.N. Mix with your hands, making circular movements and breaking with your finger the lumps that may form. Let rest 5 minutes to thicken.
• Preheat a non-stick 11-inch square griddle over medium heat. If you don't have a griddle you can use a skillet instead.
• After 5 minutes add the oil to the dough and work it in with your hands for 2 minutes. The dough should be firm enough holds its shape without cracking when molded. If it is too soft add a little more of harina P.A.N; if too hard add a little more water.
• Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Form 4 balls. Then flatten them gently until they're about 1/2-inch thick discs.
• Place the discs on the preheated griddle and cook the arepas for 5-7 minutes on each side or until lightly golden brown.
• Split each arepa in half and fill them with whatever you like: cheese, ham, egg, beans, chicken, beef, tuna ... your creativity is the limit!
• Serve hot.

VENEZUELAN AREPAS

Steps:

• Pre heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lightly grease and heat flat griddle or frying pan on medium high.
• Add water to a medium bowl.
• Dissolve sugar and salt in water. You want a mild flavor, not too salty but enough to taste it.
• Add the Harina P.A.N little by little as you mix with your hands.
• Stop adding the corn meal just before the mix becomes solid. It should be the consistency of a thick pancake batter at this stage.
• Continue to stir vigorously with your hands until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a very soft ball. Sprinkle additional corn meal into the mix if the dough doesn't firm up at all.
• Pick up the dough and slap it down back into the bowl a few times to speed up the process. Note: the dough should never become as firm as a ball of bread dough or pizza dough. There is no real kneading involved.
• When the dough forms a nice, moist ball, break off a small piece and work it in your hands rolling it into a small ball (about 1-2 inches) and then gently flattening it so it is about 3 inches across and 1/2inch tall. Note: if the dough cracks on the edges when you flatten it, it is too dry. Wet your hands and try again.
• Place the arepa on the preheated griddle and continue forming the rest in the same manner.
• Flip the arepas just before they are about to burn, when the bottom is golden brown. Allow them to brown on the other side.
• At this point the arepas are done, but for an added touch of authenticity, place the arepas into the preheated over directly onto the racks and allow them to bake for 10-15 minutes or until they puff up.
• Slice open and fill with butter, cheese, meat or anything else!