Travel Stories

Arepas --- warm, comforting, and delicious --- are a must-try for anyone on a Colombian tour. Most Americans are familiar with the Mexican tortilla. The arepa is to Colombians what the tortilla is to Mexicans. As one of Colombia's (and Venezuela's) most popular foods, arepas can be found in nearly every restaurant, street vendor, and home.

photo by Chris Breeze (via Flickr)

History of the arepa

While the precise origin of the arepa is unknown, it has been around for thousands of years and most likely originated with indigenous tribes. There is some debate about where the arepa was invented – Colombia or Venezuela – but indigenous people with a shared culture and language were spread over both regions before the different countries were divided. The truth is it most likely originated in both nations at the same time, but the recipes have now varied. Arepas are somewhat similar to the Salvadoran pupusa, as well. Arepas are commonly found in Panama and Ecuador, and sometimes seen in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Canary Islands.

What is an arepa?

Arepas are a sort of cake made from ground yellow or white maize (corn flour). The dough can be used to make savory recipes, or sweet...it all just depends on the region and recipe. Arepas are generally eaten with every meal in the countries where they are most popular. In Colombia, you will find them stuffed, or split and used as sandwich bread. Some of the most common ways you will find arepas are with cheese (arepa con queso), avocado, filled with eggs (arepa de huevo), and sweetened for a dessert. There are dozens are varieties and fillings, representing the different regional tastes and traditions within Colombia.

Arepa de queso recipe

Arepas de queso are served warm with a mug of hot chocolate for breakfast. This simple and tasty recipe will give you an authentic taste of Colombia right in your own home. Recipe courtesy of My Colombian Recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pre-cooked white or yellow arepa flour or cornmeal
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup white or mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• pinch salt

Directions:

1. Combine the cornmeal, warm water, cheese, 1 tbsp butter and salt, mixing thoroughly. Let mixture stand for five minutes.
2. Knead with your hands for about 3 minutes moistening your hands with water as you work.
3. Form 4 small balls with the dough. Place each ball between 2 plastic bags and with a flat pot cover flatten to ¼ inch.
4. Add the butter to a nonstick pan over medium heat. Place the arepas in the pan, and cook about 3 minutes on each side, until a crust forms or they are golden brown.
5. Sprinkle with additional cheese and serve with Colombian hot chocolate!

Want a taste of authentic Colombian arepas? Explore the wonders of the country on any of Uncharted Colombia's adventure tours and you'll get your fill of arepas and other delicious Colombian cuisine. Colombia is waiting.