Start the day with love (and with arepas, obviously).
"A Venezuelan's love language is arepas and democracy, so let's start with the easiest: arepas." Anonymous for Freedom of Expression issues in Venezuela
Arepas are that warm hug that accompanies you at any time of day: breakfast, lunch, dinner... or that comforting little meal when you return from a party at 3 a.m. (no judgment, we've all been there).
Their shapes and fillings are endless. Some people love them crispy and thin, others thicker and softer. But today, I bring you some romantic arepas, perfect for expressing affection to someone special... or to yourself, who deserves it too.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup precooked cornmeal (PAN type)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 peeled and chopped beet
For the filling (to your liking):
• Cheese
• Ham
• Or whatever you have in the fridge, honestly
Materials you'll need:
• 1 blender (to blend the beets with the water)
• 1 large bowl (for kneading)
• 1 flat pan (or budare)
• 1 spatula or spoon
• 1 heart-shaped cookie cutter (optional, but 100% cute)
• 1 knife for chopping the beets
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 paper towel for greasing the budare
Step-by-step instructions for preparing your Pink Arepas:
1. Preheat the budare or pan over medium-low heat. We don't want to rush; love takes its time. 2. mix the water with the chopped beet in a blender until it resembles a pink juice. This mixture will magically dye your arepitas. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, dissolve the salt in the pink liquid mixture, then add the cornmeal in a drizzle (like Grandma used to teach you to avoid lumps).
4. Knead well with clean hands until the texture is smooth, neither too dry nor too sticky. If it seems too dry, add a little more water.
5. Grease the doughnut or pan with oil using a paper towel or a kitchen brush.
6. Make balls of the same size and gently flatten them. You can leave them round or...
7. Shape them into hearts! Use a cookie cutter or shape them with your hands if you feel creative.
8. Place the arepas in the budare and cook them on both sides until golden brown or have a firm crust. The smell will let you know they're ready.
9. Fill them with cheese, ham, or your favorite combo. They're also great topped with avocado, scrambled eggs, or your craving.
