If you’ve seen Disney’s animated film Encanto, you may have fallen in love with the character of Mirabel and her delicious arepas. Fortunately, you can recreate Mirabel’s arepas at home with the right ingredients and a little bit of time and effort.

To make arepas like Mirabel, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups of precooked cornmeal
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 cup of grated cheese
  • 1 cup of shredded chicken or beef
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

To begin, combine the cornmeal, water, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together until a smooth and sticky dough forms.

Next, divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Flatten each ball into a patty shape, and use your fingers to create a small well in the center of each patty.

Fill the well of each patty with a tablespoon of grated cheese and a tablespoon of shredded chicken or beef. Carefully fold the edges of the patty over the filling, and press the edges together to seal.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the arepas in the skillet, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once the arepas are cooked, transfer them to a plate and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and authentic arepas, just like Mirabel in Encanto!