Prepare these easy and delicious Plantain Arepas. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a touch little sweetness. Serve with shredded cheese
Crispy Plantain Arepas
From South America with LOVE š
If you’re looking to add exotic elements to your breakfast or brunch, look no further.
These gluten free Plantain Arepas are easy to make and delicious. The secret is to look for ripe plantains, the yellow ones with the black spots.
Save the green ones for tostones.
Cut the arepas thinly so they get crispy when they cook.
Serve them with shredded semi-soft white cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded chicken or beef, or just plain with a dab of butter. I personally, use 2 to sandwich my cheese inside.
So here’s how to make them:
Boil your plantain with the skin until softened. About 8-10 minutes
Then mash them using a potato ricer. I avoid mashing them with a fork since they don’t get as creamy.
I then add my arepa cornmeal or masa arepa, salt, sugar, and a bit of butter
Mix and let it rest for 5-10 minutes for the plantain to absorb the cornmeal.
Then, flatten the dough with your hands until it’s 1/4 inch thick. You can make them thicker, but I prefer thinner since they crisp up better.
I used a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out my arepas. Other people just shape them by hand. You can do whatever you think it’s easier.
I then cook my arepas in a skillet coated with non-stick spray. On medium-low heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
And that’s it!
See? Easy peasy!
You can make the dough in advance and leave it in the fridge. Cook them when needed. Also, you can cook them in advance and place them in the toaster oven when ready to serve.
I hope you can try these delicious Plantain Arepas at home. If you do, please upload a pic on Instagram and tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet.
Plantain Arepas
Ingredients
For Plantain Arepas
- 2 Ripe Plantains
- 1/2 cup Masa Harina or Pre-Cooked Cornmeal
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
For Topping
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese optional
Instructions
- Cut the ends of plantains and then cut them into 2-3 pieces with the skin on. Boil in salted water for 10 minutes or until they soften
- Remove from water and peel the plantains. Puree the pieces using a potato ricer
- Add the masa harina, salt, sugar, and butter. Mix well with a spoon
- Leave the dough to rest for 5-10 minutes
- Place dough over a sheet of parchment paper and flatten with your hands until the dough is 1/4" thick
- Cut out arepas using a 3" diameter cookie cutter
- Heat a griddle or skillet on medium-low. Spray the surface with nonstick spray
- Cook arepas for 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned and toasty
- Serve with shredded cheese and enjoy
Nutrition
You may also like these arepas:
Mini Arepas with Cheese
Arepas filled with Avocado Salad
Anise Arepa
And my favorite plantain recipe:
Plantain Gnocchi with Four-Cheese Sauce
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