How to make arepas?

Question

I bought some Masarepa precooked corn meal today.
On the bag it says 1 cup cornmeal to 1 1/2 cup water. Another recipe calls for 1 cup cornmeal to 1 cup water.
Which are the correct proportions?
Also the recipe on the bag calls for warm water and another calls for boiling water. Which is best?
Thanks for your help.

Jenny

Answer 1

Well, as a person who learned to make arepas by watching my Venezuelan mother in law, I can tell you that it is a matter of personal preference. Warm water works just as well as hot. The masa should be think enough to hold together like a hamburger patty. (For me, getting it perfectly smooth and round was the hardest part!) After you form your arepas, drop them into boiling water. When they rise to the top, remove them and dry them on paper towels, then pan fry them for crispness. They are so delicious with meat and especially (to me) for breakfast with eggs and bacon! Good luck!

Answer 2

Arepas Recipe
This arepa dough uses the brand P.A.N. a precooked cornmeal available at any Hispanic grocer. These arepas are "fluffy." Fill them with cheese, "taco" meat mixture, tuna, smoked sausage, scrambled eggs, anything you like. Got this recipe from a Venezulean friend.
2 cups precooked cornmeal (P.A.N. Harina de Maiz)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
2 cups boiling water
1 cup shredded cheese
4-6 servings 6 arepas

1. In a mixing bowl, add cornmeal, salt, pepper, baking powder. Mix well.
2. Add the cheese (eg: jack, mozzarella, cheddar, or combination)and combine well.
3. With a fork, stir in boiling water.
4. Add eggs.
5. Mix with a fork until dough leaves the side of the bowl.
6. Knead dough with your hands only enough to form a ball.
7. About 3/4 cup of dough makes one arepa.
8. Flatten balls and fry in a lightly greased pan until golden.
9. Or cook in arepa cooker until arepas sound hollow when tapped.
10. Let cool slightly and serve.
11. TO EAT: Split like an Eng. muffin and with a spoon, scoop-out the fluffy cornmeal insides then fill the shells with anything you like. The scooped-out cornmeal can be eaten with a fork or discarded. Or don't scoop them out it's your preference.

Answer 3

Jenny, I would follow the instructions for whatever the product says, for whichever one you use. I found a good recipe for ya, enjoy:)

http://www.recipezaar.com/130579