What To Serve With Arepas

Arepas are the quintessential South American staple, with their roots deeply embedded in Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine.

These versatile little corn cakes have been gracing tables for centuries now, but if you’re just discovering them or simply want to up your game when it comes to serving these delightful pockets of goodness, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s talk about what goes best with arepas – after all, they’re like a blank canvas waiting to be painted with an array of delicious flavors!

From mouthwatering fillings to scrumptious side dishes and even delectable sauces that’ll elevate your arepa experience to new heights – we’re here to inspire you on this culinary adventure.

So grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of arepas!

Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Arepas– By Chef Natalie

To save you time, and to make your decision easy, I have built a nice chart on why these side dishes go well with arepas!

Side Dish	Why it goes well with arepas
Traditional Venezuelan Fillings	These fillings such as shredded beef, black beans, and cheese are traditional accompaniments to Venezuelan arepas and provide a rich and flavorful contrast to the corn-based dough.
Classic Colombian Stuffing	Colombian-style fillings like shredded chicken, avocado, and hogao (a sauce made with tomatoes and onions) complement the arepas with a combination of savory flavors and textures.
Creative And Fusion Fillings	Inventive fillings like pulled pork with pineapple salsa, shrimp with mango salsa, or barbecued jackfruit provide a fusion of flavors that add excitement and variety to the arepas.
Side Dishes To Complement Arepas	Sides like plantains, yuca fries, or avocado salad provide a balance of textures and flavors, enhancing the meal and offering a variety of tastes alongside the arepas.
Delicious Sauces And Toppings	Sauces such as guasacaca (Venezuelan avocado sauce), chimichurri, or spicy salsa add an extra layer of tanginess or spiciness that complements the mildness of the arepas.
Vegetarian And Vegan Options	Vegetarian and vegan fillings like black beans and plantains, roasted vegetables, or vegan cheese provide options for those following a plant-based diet, while still enjoying the arepas.
Sweet Arepa Variations	Sweet fillings like Nutella, dulce de leche, or fresh fruit with cream cheese offer a delightful dessert-like twist to the arepas and satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

1. Traditional Venezuelan Fillings

Arepas are the ultimate canvas for a symphony of mouth-watering fillings, showcasing authentic ingredients that transport you straight to Venezuela with every bite.

While these versatile corn cakes have gained popularity around the world, it’s worth exploring the traditional Venezuelan stuffings that make them truly exceptional.

From seasoned meats and cheeses to fresh vegetables and local sauces, regional variations provide an exciting array of options to satisfy your taste buds.

One classic filling is the ‘Reina Pepiada,’ which translates to ‘Curvy Queen’ – a fitting tribute since this dish is indeed royalty among arepa lovers.

Reina Pepiada features tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy avocado, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, and just enough jalapeño pepper to add a subtle kick.

This delectable combination creates harmony in flavor and texture within the warm embrace of the arepa.

Another beloved option is ‘Pabellón,’ inspired by Venezuela’s national dish Pabellón Criollo.

The Pabellón filling consists of juicy pulled beef simmered in rich tomato sauce accompanied by black beans seasoned with garlic and spices alongside sweet fried plantains.

These components come together inside the golden corn cake cradle creating a beautiful balance between savory meatiness and delicate sweetness—a perfect marriage of flavors that’ll leave you craving more.

And let us not forget about Perico – a vibrant scramble of eggs, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, salt, and pepper – making for a colorful breakfast or brunch treat when paired with fluffy arepas!

2. Classic Colombian Stuffing

Diving into the vibrant world of traditional Venezuelan fillings leaves one craving for more delightful culinary experiences.

Luckily, our journey doesn’t end here – let’s explore some classic Colombian stuffings that pair perfectly with arepas! Remember, versatility is key when it comes to these scrumptious South American treats.

Colombian street food has gained quite a reputation globally thanks to its irresistible flavors and textures.

One such mouthwatering combination involves pairing arepas with tender shredded beef or pulled chicken, mixed together in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, cumin, and other fragrant spices.

The contrast between the juicy meat filling and the crisp exterior of the arena creates an explosion of taste that will keep you coming back for more.

Another popular choice among Colombians is adding hogan to their arepas – a savory onion-tomato mixture slow-cooked until caramelized perfection is reached.

This versatile topping can be enjoyed on its own or combined with cheese or eggs for a satisfying meal any time of day.

Empanada pairings also work wonderfully with arepas due to their similar dough-based nature.

Think about introducing sweet plantains alongside your stuffed arepa – this tropical fruit adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out any spicy or tangy fillings inside your masterpiece.

Or perhaps try a corn salad tossed in lime juice and cilantro as a refreshing side dish that complements both empanadas and arepas alike.

With countless possibilities at hand, creating unforgettable flavor combinations is limited only by your imagination and appetite!

3. Creative And Fusion Fillings

Did you know that over 300 million arepas are consumed monthly in Venezuela alone?

This popular South American staple is the perfect canvas for creative and fusion fillings, turning a simple dish into an exciting culinary experience.

With endless possibilities for unique combinations and inspiration from global flavors, your taste buds will never tire of these delectable creations.

• Asian-inspired Arepa: Combine tender pulled pork with hoisin sauce, crunchy pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro to create a mouthwatering fusion of Venezuelan and Asian cuisine.
• Mediterranean Twist: Stuff your arepa with grilled halloumi cheese, ripe cherry tomatoes, black olives, and a drizzle of lemony tahini dressing to take your taste buds on a journey through the Mediterranean.
• Mexican Fiesta: Spice things up by filling your arepa with zesty shredded chicken tinga or spicy chorizo, creamy avocado slices, crumbled cotija cheese, and tangy salsa verde for a Mexican-inspired twist.

To keep your palate intrigued while enjoying the world’s favorite corn cake sandwich, why not experiment with other delicious fusion inspirations such as Indian-style butter chicken topped with cooling cucumber raita or even Caribbean jerk shrimp paired with sweet mango chutney?

The beauty of arepas lies in their versatility: mix traditional ingredients like beans or plantains with new global flavors to invent unique dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

So go ahead—gather friends around the table and enjoy exploring all the bold flavor combinations you can dream up!

4. Side Dishes To Complement Arepas

Now that we’ve explored the world of creative and fusion fillings, it’s time to elevate your arepa experience even more by pairing these scrumptious creations with equally delectable side dishes.

Arepas are versatile enough to shine on their own, but they’re also welcoming when it comes to sharing the spotlight with various accompaniments.

From refreshing salads to tantalizing salsas and sauces, let us dive into an array of delightful possibilities for your next arena extravaganza.

Arepas pair exceptionally well with a multitude of fresh and vibrant ingredients.

One such example is a bright avocado salad brimming with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and just a touch of jalapeño peppers for some subtle heat.

This simple yet flavor-packed dish not only complements the rich taste of arepas but adds another layer of texture to each bite.

Another popular choice among arepa accompaniments is coleslaw — its creamy crunchiness harmonizes perfectly with most fillings you can imagine stuffing inside those golden pockets.

When hosting an impressive arepa feast or simply indulging in this culinary marvel at home, don’t forget about pairing beverages that will accentuate those mouthwatering flavors.

For a truly authentic Venezuelan experience, consider serving ice-cold Polar Pilsen beer or perhaps pamper yourself with a glass (or two) of sangria – its fruity undertones lend themselves exquisitely to the bold flavors found within our beloved arepas.

For non-alcoholic options, freshly squeezed passion fruit juice offers both sweetness and tanginess which further enlivens every delicious morsel consumed alongside these delightful cornmeal patties.

5. Delicious Sauces And Toppings

Did you know that about 75% of the world’s population consumes spicy foods regularly? This fascinating statistic shows that people worldwide enjoy adding a little kick to their meals.

When it comes to arepas, incorporating delicious sauces and toppings can elevate this already scrumptious dish even further.

Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dinner, these mouthwatering sauce ideas will make your arepas an unforgettable experience.

Picture biting into a warm, crispy arepa filled with shredded chicken and topped with a generous drizzle of spicy chimichurri.

The flavors dance on your tongue in perfect harmony – the heat from the chilies, the freshness of herbs like parsley and cilantro, and the tangy zing of red wine vinegar leave your taste buds begging for more.

Spicy chimichurri not only complements the mild flavor profile of cornmeal arepas but also adds depth and complexity through its bold ingredients.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something cool and creamy to balance out any spiciness from fillings like chorizo or pulled pork, avocado crema is your answer.

Rich in both texture and taste, this luscious topping combines ripe avocados with sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

With each bite of your arepa generously smeared with this velvety goodness, you’ll find yourself transported to culinary heaven.

So go ahead—experiment with different combinations of flavorful sauces like spicy chimichurri or cooling avocado crema atop your pillowy-soft arepas; you won’t be disappointed!

6. Vegetarian And Vegan Options

Arepas, those tender corn cakes hailing from Venezuela and Colombia, are versatile enough to accommodate a variety of fillings.

For vegetarian and vegan diners seeking meatless protein choices, there’s no need to worry as the culinary world has expanded its horizons to embrace plant-based alternatives that satisfy both taste buds and nutritional requirements.

Let your imagination run wild with an array of fresh vegetables, such as grilled or sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes – all seasoned to perfection with fragrant herbs like cilantro, oregano, or basil.

Layer these aromatic delights over creamy avocado slices enveloped within warm arepas for an irresistibly wholesome treat.

For added substance without compromising on flavor, consider incorporating beans or lentils cooked in rich spices; this combination will not only appeal to vegetarians but also entice omnivores who wish to explore the diverse world of plant-based cuisine.

And let’s not forget about tofu! This soybean-derived ingredient is a blank canvas just waiting for you to add your signature touch.

Marinate it in tangy sauces or savory rubs before grilling or pan-searing until golden brown.

Couple this mouthwatering morsel with spicy jalapeños or sweet caramelized onions for tantalizing contrasts in texture and taste inside those delectable arepa pockets. With so many scrumptious options available at our fingertips today, it becomes effortless to create dishes that cater equally well to vegans and non-vegans alike – proving that good food knows no boundaries when we allow ourselves the freedom to explore new flavors!

7. Sweet Arepa Variations

As we’ve explored the delightful world of vegetarian and vegan arepas, let’s shift our focus to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Arepas can be versatile in terms of fillings, so why not turn them into delectable desserts? Sweet arepa variations will surely surprise your taste buds and bring joy to everyone at the table.

Dessert arepas provide an excellent canvas for experimenting with fruity fillings and other tempting ingredients.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting the perfect dessert area that will leave you craving more! Here is a list of some tantalizing options:

• Chocolate lovers’ delight:
• Nutella-filled arepas
• Dark chocolate ganache with raspberries or strawberries
• Fruity sensations:
• Caramelized bananas and cinnamon sugar
• Mango and cream cheese

The key to creating mouthwatering sweet arepas lies in using fresh ingredients and paying attention to presentation.

Colorful fruits like berries, kiwi, or passion fruit add visual interest as well as complementing flavors.

Don’t forget a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

As you venture into this delicious realm where savory meets sweet, may your culinary journey be filled with scrumptious discoveries!

Conclusion

Just like the perfect outfit needs fabulous accessories, arepas deserve delicious fillings and sides to create a memorable meal.

Let your culinary creativity shine as you experiment with traditional Venezuelan or Colombian stuffings, fusion fillings, side dishes, sauces, toppings, and even sweet variations.

From vegetarian delights to indulgent treats, there’s an arepa combination for everyone out there.

So go ahead – dress up those scrumptious cornmeal pockets and enjoy them in all their glory!