The Spanish arepa is a perfect example of how, through food, we can connecting various cultures.
This version of the traditional arepa combines the best of our roots with the flavours of the Spanish cuisinecreating a delicious and unique fusion.
Although the arepa has always been part of our identity, here in Spain has found a new home, embracing ingredients such as the chorizo or Manchego cheese.
It is the perfect blend of Venezuelan tradition and the flagship products of the Spanish cuisine. This not only satisfies our palates, but also tells our story. One in which we have left our country, but remain connected to it through something as simple and powerful as food.
Are you looking forward to trying this delicious recipe? In this article, we invite you to find out how this fusion has gained popularity in Spainand how, through the Spanish arepawe celebrate the union of two cultures.
Get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite!
Fusion of cultures, the flavours of Spain in a traditional arepa
The Spanish arepa is a dish that beautifully reflects how two cultures as different as the one in the Venezuelan and Spanish can be linked through food.
For many Venezuelans arriving in Spain, do arepas at home is a way of keeping our roots alive, but the nice thing is that we also start experimenting with local ingredients, and recipes like this one are born.
What makes this fusion special is that it goes beyond the food, it is a reflection of how two cultures can meet and enrich each other.
By combining the best of Venezuela with the flavours of Spain, the Spanish arepa becomes a symbol of integrationhow we can maintain our roots while being open to the new.
It's a delightful way to remember that, even if we are far from home, we can always create something new to bring us together.
Discover how to make the Spanish arepa step by step.
If with the recipe of the sweet arepa If you've been looking forward to cooking, you're in luck! Today we bring you another recipe for Ricardo Estrada (@aerepologo), passionate about arepas and expert in the field.
It is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Here we explain step by step how to make it in order to three arepasWe hope you find it helpful and enjoy this delicious fusion of flavours!
Ingredients for the arepas
- 1 ¼ cup water: Water is the main element that will help hydrate the maize flour. It is important to use lukewarm water to facilitate mixing and dough formation.
- 1 cup pre-cooked maize flour: This type of flour is essential for arepas. Make sure it is of high quality and pre-cooked, as this ensures that the dough forms correctly and that the arepas have the soft and spongy texture that characterises them.
- Pinch of salt: Salt is essential to enhance flavours. You only need a pinch to give the dough a hint of flavour without being overpowering. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil: This ingredient not only adds a delicious flavour to the arepas, but also makes the dough softer and more manageable.
Ingredients for the filling
- Chistorras: This Spanish sausage, similar to chorizo, is perfect for adding an authentic and tasty touch. The chistorra is thin and has a spicy flavour that goes wonderfully with the arepa dough.
- Manchego cheese (to taste)Manchego cheese is a classic of Spanish gastronomy and melts beautifully, making it an ideal filling. This cheese will bring a creamy and salty flavour that will perfectly complement the chistorra.
- ½ glass of beer: Beer is used in the cooking of the chistorras, adding a touch of flavour and helping to keep them juicy.
Preparation of the arepas step by step
- In a large bowl, pour the water and add a pinch of salt.
- Gradually, it adds the pre-cooked maize flour while mixing with your hands or a spoon.
- Deja rest the dough for about 2 minutes so that the flour absorbs the water well.
- Knead with your hands for a few minutes, then add the tablespoon of olive oil extra virgin olive oil. This will give a soft and different touch to the dough.
- Divide the dough into three parts, form into balls and flatten into arepa shapes.
- Place the arepas in a budare or preheated frying pan and cook them over a medium heat for a few minutes.e 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Then, put them in the oven preheated to 250 °C by 5 minutes so that they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Preparation of the filling
- In a frying pan or small saucepan, place the chistorras together with ½ glass of beer. Kitchen to medium-low heat for some 20 minutesCook until the liquid has evaporated and the chistorras are lightly browned.
- Once ready, remove the chistorras and cut them into pieces of around 2 cm.
- In a bowl, mix the chistorras with the grated manchego cheese (on the coarse side of the grater) so that the cheese melts a little with the heat of the chistorras.
Assembly
- Carefully open the arepas in the centre once they are ready.
- Fill them with the mixture of chistorras and manchego cheese.
- Ready! Serve your Spanish arepas and enjoy this delicious fusion of Venezuelan and Spanish flavours.
This recipe is perfect for a lunch or dinner with friends, and is a fun way to mix the best of the best in the world.a traditional arepa with typical Spanish ingredients.
I can assure you that the touch of beer with the chistorras and manchego cheese will make this Spanish arepa be unforgettable!
The arepa is part of the current gastronomy of many Spaniards and Venezuelans.
The Spanish arepa has managed to conquer not only the hearts of Venezuelans living in SpainThe Spanish people's own palate is also affected.
What began as a way of adapting our food to local ingredients has become a dish that is increasingly gaining in popularity. more popular on the country's gastronomic scene.
Many restaurants in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia have started to include the arepa in their menus, but with that Spanish touch that is so popular.
It is no longer rare to find arepas stuffed with Iberian ham, manchego cheese, chorizo and chorizo or even more creative versions that include Galician-style octopus or codfish.
Some chefs, both Venezuelans as Spaniardshave embraced this fusion and taken it to another level, creating combinations that surprise and delight diners.
The most beautiful thing about this story is that the Spanish arepa has not only been well received by the Venezuelans who are looking for a family flavour with a local touch, but also the Spanish have adopted the arepa as part of its culinary repertoire.
The blending of cultures through food has turned this simple corn dish into a new gastronomic experience for everyone.
Events and gastronomic fairs
In addition, with the growing presence of the Venezuelan community in Spainthe arepa is not only present in restaurants, but also in gastronomic fairs, markets and cultural eventsbringing more people closer to this delicious fusion.
An example of this is the Arepa Route which is held every year in Madrid. In this one, more than 40 establishments perform different arepas recipes which are appreciated by all those who come to eat them.
Another of the most important events is the Great Arepa Championship of Madrid GOYA Arepa Route.
This championship, in collaboration with the Madrid Hotel and Catering Associationbrings together some of the best establishments in the Community, with the aim of competing for the recognition of the best arepas.
On the other hand, in Barcelonathe San Antonio Market includes posts dedicated to the arepawhere visitors can taste different fillings, from the most classic to vegetarian options.
Events like this not only celebrate the arepa in all its forms, but also promote the cultural coexistence and allow more people to discover and fall in love with the rich Venezuelan culinary heritage.
As we have seen, the Spanish arepa is a dish full of possibilities and creativity.
From Curiara we invite you to share your recipes with the hashtag #ArepaVenezolana, #SaborDeVenezuela, #somosvenezolanos, #venezolanosporelmundoo, #soyvenezolano and #venezuelasomostodos so that others can also be inspired.
There is nothing more enriching than sharing our culture and learning from each other!
Whether you are in Spain, Venezuela or anywhere in the world, the arepa is a symbol of unity that deserves to be celebrated. So, let's get on with it!
