This Saturday 14 September is the World Arepa DayAnd what better way to celebrate it than by preparing a delicious sweet arepa!
Although the arepa salada is the most famousthe sweet version has its own charm and is perfect for enjoy at breakfast, as a snack or even as a dessert.
The sweet arepa is a simple and very tasty option that combines the best of corn flour with a touch of sugar and other ingredients that make it irresistible. Best of all, it's very easy to make, and is sure to be a hit at your table.
Today we will show you step by step how to prepare it so you can join the celebration in a delicious way.
Would you like to try something different? Arepa DayRead on to find out how to make this delicious recipe!
Discover the history and origin of the arepa dulce
The arepa has a very ancient origin and is one of the most representative dishes of the Venezuelan cuisine.
It is believed that thes indigenous peoples The people living in these regions were already preparing a primitive version of the arepausing ground maize as a base.
Although the most common arepas are savourywith fillers such as cheese, meat or avocado, the sweet arepa also has its place in the tradition.
This variant was created when families started experimenting with sweeter ingredients, such as sugar, honey or even cinnamonto give them a different touch.
Each region has its own version of the sweet arepa. In some areas, ingredients are added, such as panela or aniseed, which gives it a more particular flavour.
In others, it is simply enjoyed with a little bit of butter and cheese, making a delicious contrast between sweet and savoury.
The sweet arepa has become very popular on many tables because it is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Whether at breakfast, as a snack or even to accompany an afternoon coffee, this version of the arepa always leaves everyone with a smile.
Follow these steps and... Enjoy!
Have you also been looking forward to eating a delicious sweet arepa? If so, you can not miss the recipe that brings us Ricardo Estrada (@aerepologo), a great passionate about arepas and an expert on the subject.
What are the necessary ingredients?
To prepare 4 delicious sweet arepas, you need a few simple ingredients. Here is the complete list to get you started:
- 1 1/4 cup wateris the perfect amount to achieve a soft and manageable dough.
- 1 cup pre-cooked maize flourThis is the basis of the arepa.
- Pinch of salt: although it is a sweet arepa, a touch of salt helps to bring out the flavours.
- 150 grams of papelón (panela): this is the key ingredient that gives it its sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sweet aniseed: gives it a special touch of flavour that combines very well with the paprika.
- Grated white cheese or hand cheeseFor the filling you can choose the type of cheese you prefer.
With these few ingredients, you'll be ready to make some sweet arepas Let's get to work!
Step-by-step preparation
Now that you've got all the ingredients, it's time to prepare the delicious sweet arepasIt's a very simple process! Follow these steps and you will soon be enjoying this traditional recipe.
- In a large container, pour 1/4 cup water. Then add the 150 grams of previously diluted papelón. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour and mix all these ingredients well.
- Gradually, it begins to add cup maize flour to the liquid mixture. Do this slowly and with the help of a spoon. The dough should be smooth and easy to handle.
- In order to shape the arepas, use a plastic (such as a clean bag or plastic wrap) to flatten them. The idea is to leave them thin, approximately ½ centimetre wide.
- In a frying pan or cauldron, Heat sufficient oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the arepas in the oil. With a spoon, bathe the arepas in the oil while they are frying. You will see them gradually begin to puff up, which means they are cooking properly.
- Once the arepas are golden brown and crisp, fill them with grated white cheese or hand cheese. The contrast between the sweetness of the arepa and the saltiness of the cheese is irresistible.
And that's it! Now you have some delicious sweet arepas ready to enjoy, perfect for any time of the day.
Don't know what to accompany your arepas with?
The sweet arepas are so versatile that you can accompany them with a wide variety of drinks and extras, depending on the occasion or your personal taste.
Here are some ideas that will make your arepas even more irresistible.
Coffee
The coffee is the ideal companion for sweet arepasespecially in the morning or at snack time.
The contrast between the sweetness of the arepa and the bitter and robust taste of a good coffee. creates an irresistible combination of flavours.
By biting a crispy arepawith the sweet paprika and aniseedand then take a sip of coffeeThe sensation is one of perfect balance: the coffee cleanses the palate and brings out the sweet notes of the dough even more.
Hot chocolate
The hot chocolate is the perfect companion when you are looking for a comforting breakfast or snack.
Its creamy texture, made from Venezuelan cocoaThe sweetness of the arepas made with papelón, creating a delightful experience.
Fruit smoothies
If you are looking for something refreshing, a fruit smoothie such as strawberry, soursop or mango is an excellent choice. The freshness of the fruit combines perfectly with the crunchy texture of the sweet arepas.
In addition, with the fruit smoothie not only are you adding a refreshing touch to your snack or breakfast, but you're also giving it vitamins and energy, making it the perfect companion.
Papelón with lemon
The lemon ballot paper is a typical Venezuelan soft drinkmade with papelón (panela) and lemon juice. An ideal accompaniment if you're looking for something fresh for your sweet arepas.
The natural sweetness of paprikawhich is obtained by processing sugar cane juice, has a deep, honeyed flavour that, combined with the citrus touch of lemoncreates an exquisite balance.
This contrast between sweet and sour makes the lemon paprika is the perfect drink to cleanse the palate while you enjoy a sweet arepa.
Chicha criolla
This creamy drink made from rice or maize and milk is very popular in Venezuela.
The chicha criolla has a mild sweetness that goes very well with sweet arepas and is ideal to enjoy as a snack.
Herbal teas or infusions
The gentle infusions as chamomile, cinnamon tea or ginger tea with lemon complement the flavour of the arepas without overshadowing them. They are perfect if you prefer a lighter drink.
Cream cheese or jam
If you prefer not to fill the arepas with salty cheese, you can accompany them with a little bit of cream cheese or spread them with fruit jamsuch as strawberry or guava for an even sweeter touch.
Dulce de leche
For those with a sweet tooth, add a dash of dmilk production as an accompaniment or filling will give the arepas an irresistible taste - ideal as a dessert!
In short, these ideas will make your sweet arepas The new, more vibrant and more vibrant colours will make the whole experience even more enjoyable, whether it's a relaxed morning, a family picnic or a special celebration such as the World Arepa Day.
Do you dare to prepare your own sweet arepas at home? If you do, we'd love to hear how it went! Share your photos and let us know how they turned out or if you made any special variations.
You can comment on your experience or upload photos on social media with the hashtag #ArepaVenezolana #RecetasVenezolanas #somosvenezolanos for others to be inspired as well.
Also, if you like this recipe, don't miss out on all of the arepas recipes that we will be publishing throughout September and October. Even if you are far from home, Venezuela will always be in you.
Curiara, uniting families.
