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Colombian spicy vegetable recipe on a white plate with spicy roasted vegetables on a colorful patterned background.

Colombian Spicy Vegetable Arepas

Kristina Todini, RDN
A twist on the traditional Colombian arepas recipe made with fresh ricotta cheese and spicy roasted vegetables. This arepas recipe is only 4 ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes, a simple new addition to your global weeknight meal recipe rotation.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizers + Platters
Cuisine Colombian-Inspired
Servings 8 arepas
Calories 138 kcal

Ingredients
  

Arepas

  • 1 cup masa harina flour
  • 1 cup ricotta split in half
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ¾-1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons oil

Spicy Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 teaspoon oil
  • 1 onion sliced thin
  • 1 bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 small chili pepper sliced
  • ½ cup corn kernels
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon spicy chili oil

Instructions
 

Arepas

  • Combine masa harina flour, cheese, salt, and half of the water together in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and slowly add more water until the dough is formed and pliable but not too wet or it will be mushy after cooking.
  • Heat oil in a large pan to medium-high heat. Form dough into small ⅓ cup size balls and then flatten into a cake. Cook arepas in oil until lightly crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes each side.
  • Top with a smear of ricotta cheese and Spicy Roasted Vegetables (recipe below).

Spicy Roasted Vegetables

  • Heat oil in a medium frying pan. Add onion, bell peppers, chili pepper, and corn and cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes. Add salt and pepper and a small amount of chili oil (if using).

Notes

  • Leftovers & Storage: Arepas can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-6 days and reheated.
  • Tips & Make it Vegan: Using ricotta cheese in the arepas dough makes for softer arepas. If you like a drier and crispier texture, or would like to make the recipe vegan, eliminate the cheese and add a bit more water to the ensure the dough mixes completely before being cooked.
  • Nutrition: The nutrition information provided is an estimate based on 1/4 of the recipe, which is one four-inch wide arepa with cheese and roasted vegetables. This Colombian Spicy Vegetable Arepas recipe is a good source of protein, is low in sodium, and is made from whole grain masa harina flour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 123mgPotassium: 153mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 693IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg
Keyword arepas recipes, colombian arepas, healthy arepas recipe
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