Homemade Arepa Paisa is so soft and fluffy – a delicious Colombian breakfast dish. It’s a popular cornmeal flatbread and can be served on its own or topped with eggs, cheese or meat!
What is arepa paisa?
Also known as Colombian pancakes, arepa paisa is a popular flatbread in the department of Antioquia. Local people usually eat it for breakfast or dinner as a side to almost every meal. They like to serve it by spreading butter or cheese on top. It’s like tortillas in Mexico.
Arepa has been at the heart of Colombian cuisine for a long time since pre-Colombian times. There are many different kinds of Arepas in Colombian, and Aprea Paisa is one of the most popular ones, along with Arepa Boyacense, Arepa de Choclo, and Arepa de huevo.
Arepa paisa ingredients
- Arepa Flour (Cornmeal): It’s the special precooked corn flour that’s common in Venezuela and Colombia. You can order it online from Amazon. Both white and yellow work well with this recipe.
- Warm Water (not boiling)
- Unsalted Butter
- Salt
How to make arepa paisa
Make the dough: Start by combining flour, warm water, butter, and salt. Mix well and knead it into a soft dough.
Divide the dough: Cut the dough into 8-10 equal portions and shape each into a small ball. Then roll each one out into thin disks.
Cook the areapa paisa: Add butter to a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the disks for about 3-5 minutes on each side until the surface turns golden brown.
How to use eat arepa paisa?
Arepa paisa is very versatile and you can have it for breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner. Usually it’s served as a side dish with different toppings. At breakfast, it’s often topped with butter and served with cheese and eggs. At dinner, it’s often served with meat.
How long do they last?
It’s best to eat the homemade arepa paisa the same day. They can be left at room temperature for about 12 hours, and you’ll need to store them in a ziptop bag in the refrigerator and they can last for 4-5 days. Alternatively, wrap them in foil, place in a zip-lock bag, and they can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
More Colombian Food:
Arepa Paisa (Columbia Flatbread Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 cups arepa flour ( I used “P.A.N” brand, it’s pre-cooked cornmeal flour)
- 2 cups hot water not boiling water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl add arepa flour, salt, 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in hot water and stir to combine. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Moisten your hands with water and knead it for 3-4 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Divide and flatten the dough: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
- Shape each piece into a small ball, and roll each piece into a round flat disk.
- Cook Arepa Paisa: Place a cast iron skillet on medium heat and add the remaining butter. Once melted, place the dough disks in the pan and cook about 3-5 minutes on each side, until the surface turns golden brown. (Don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook in batches if needed).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t stack uncooked arepa or they may stick to each other and become soggy.
- Wrap cooked arepa paisa in damp paper towels so they won’t dry out.
Carka says
Loved the simplicity of this recipe.
Izzy says
Hi Carka, glad that you like the recipe. Thanks for letting me know.