Minced Beef Arepas de Carne Mechada
Discover the heart of Venezuelan cuisine with Minced Beef Arepas de Carne Mechada. A modern twist on traditional arepas, this dish combines the hearty, flavorful notes of carne mechada with the warm, comforting embrace of homemade arepas. Each bite is a journey to the vibrant streets of Caracas, offering a delightful dance of textures and spices that is both authentic and contemporary.
Ingredients
Carne Mechada
2 tablespoons olive oil - Preferably extra virgin- 1 kg beef flank - Trimmed and cut into chunks
1 large onion - chopped
4 cloves garlic - minced
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 cup beef stock (beef broth or beef bouillon) - organic 
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
Arepas
- 2 cups precooked white cornmeal - Brand like P.A.N.
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter - For cooking
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them until beautifully browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin and paprika, letting them bloom in the oil for about 1 minute.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add tomato paste, beef stock, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook gently for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender and shreds easily. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- While the beef cooks, prepare the arepas. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, and warm water. Mix with hands until a dough forms. It should be smooth and slightly moist.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. Gently flatten each ball into a disk about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook each arepa for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and slightly puffy.
- Slice arepas in half and generously fill them with the shredded beef. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a more succulent beef, consider cooking in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours instead of simmering on the stove.
Nutrition
Calories: 784kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 65gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 1514mgPotassium: 1488mgFiber: 9gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 8mg
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