Colombian Minced Beef Arepas Rellenas
Inspired by the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Colombia, these arepas are a modern twist on a traditional favorite. Filled with savory minced beef, this dish combines the comforting textures of the arepa with the aromatic allure of Colombian spices, making for a delightful and unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
Arepas
2 cups cornmeal - precooked, such as P.A.N.
2 cups water - warm
1 teaspoon salt
Minced Beef Filling
500 grams ground beef (minced beef) - preferably lean
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium white onion - finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 cup tomatoes - diced, preferably fresh
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika- ¼ teaspoon salt - to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - freshly ground
Instructions
To prepare the arepas:
- In a large bowl, combine the precooked cornmeal, warm water, and salt. Stir until a smooth dough forms, then let it rest for 5 minutes. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball, then flatten into discs about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and have a slight crust.
For the minced beef filling:
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
Assembly:
- Carefully slice the arepas open horizontally to create a pocket. Fill each arepa generously with the minced beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a hint of spice. If you're short on time, prepare the arepa dough and beef filling ahead and store separately until ready to cook. For a healthier variation, try using ground turkey instead of beef.
Nutrition
Calories: 579kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 34gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 823mgPotassium: 805mgFiber: 9gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 357IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 6mg
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