Arepas are a delicious and nutritious gluten-free vegetarian option that is popular in many South American countries. Made from cornmeal, arepas are grilled, fried, or baked into patties that can be stuffed with a variety of tasty fillings.

For those following a gluten-free diet, arepas are an excellent alternative to bread, tortillas, and other wheat-based foods. Not only are they naturally gluten-free, but they are also packed with nutrients and have a satisfyingly hearty texture.

Vegetarians will also be happy to know that arepas are a great source of plant-based protein. In fact, a single arepa made with cornmeal contains around 6 grams of protein. Plus, they are versatile and can be stuffed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and other plant-based ingredients to create a satisfying meal.

If you’re new to arepas, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, water, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
  2. Divide the dough into 4 equal-sized balls and flatten them into patties.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or a spray of cooking spray.
  4. Place the arepas in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Once the arepas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly.
  6. Use a sharp knife to cut a slit in the side of each arepa and carefully stuff them with your favorite filling. Some delicious vegetarian options include black beans and avocado, roasted vegetables, grilled mushrooms, hummus and roasted red pepper, or tofu and spinach.
  7. Serve the stuffed arepas immediately and enjoy!

As you can see, making arepas at home is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. Plus, the possibilities for filling are endless, so you can experiment with different flavors and textures to find your perfect combination.

So next time you’re looking for a tasty and gluten-free vegetarian option, give arepas a try. You won’t be disappointed!