Arepas - Reina Pepiada & Black Bean Plantain

Basic Arepa Dough (Makes 6 Arepas)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (Harina P.A.N. or similar)

• 2 ½ cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil or softened butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, oil, and salt. Slowly stir in cornmeal with your hand. Let rest 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Knead until smooth and soft. Add oil or butter if using.

3. Divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll into balls, then flatten into ½-inch thick discs.

4. Cook in a slightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden.

5. Let cool briefly, then cut a slit to form a pocket.

6. Fill with your filling of choice - from below options.

Filling 1: Chicken & Avocado (Reina Pepiada)

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed

• 1 to 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (measure with your heart here!)

• 1 teaspoon lime juice - optional, but yummy!

• 1/4 cup cilantro chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped onion or garlic

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix in mayo, cilantro, and shredded chicken.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Filling 2: Black Beans & Sweet Plantains

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans (drained)

• 1 ripe plantain, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (I use vegetable oil)

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh grated garlic

• 1 tsp onion powder or 1/2 of fresh finely chopped onion

• 1 tsp Knorr Chicken Bouillon (optional, but adds so much flavor!)

• Salt to taste

• Optional: cotija or queso fresco for topping

Instructions:

1. Choose Ripe Plantains: Look for plantains with mostly black skin and a little yellow left. They should feel soft but not mushy. Fully yellow plantains with dark spots will still work but will be slightly firmer and less sweet.

2. Cook Plantains: In a skillet over medium heat, cook plantain slices in oil until golden brown on both sides (about 2 to 3 minutes per side). Set aside.

3. Warm Beans: In the same skillet, lightly mash the beans and add all seasonings - let simmer on low for 5-10 minutes or until beans are hot and flavor is fully developed (taste to see if you prefer any additional spices)

4. Assemble: Fill arepa with a spoonful of black beans and a few plantain slices. Add cheese if using.

To Serve:

Stuff warm arepas generously with either filling. Serve immediately, or hold warm (unfilled) and fill to order.