Arepas are a South American dish that allows for a huge amount of creativity.
Consisting of a fried cornmeal-based base, arepas can be filled and/or topped with a ton of different ingredients. The great thing about arepas is that they go with almost any conceivable topping or filling that you can imagine, so feel free to be creative!
Here are four suggestions for delicious ways to fill an arepa.
Avocado
The deliciousness created when arepas are filled with avocado is something to behold. The creaminess of the avocado creates a rich filling that will have you coming back for more.
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a type of Hispanic cheese that is soft and hasn’t been left to mature at all. It’s very delicate and creamy and you’ll love it when it partially melts inside of an arepa.
Marinated Chicken
Chicken is my favorite meat filling for arepas because its flavor doesn’t overwhelm the dish. Marinate the chicken in a chimichurri or red pepper sauce for maximum tastiness.
Black Beans and Sweet Plantains
This combination might sound odd at first, but it’s actually quite traditional for arepas. The sweetness of the fried plantains and the savory character of the black beans go very well together.