Arepas with Spicy Black Beans
These corncakes are a common style of flatbread in Colombia and Venezuela. Arepas are made with precooked cornmeal and served warmed with butter or cheese, or split open and filled, or topped, as we've done here. Our arepas filling is loaded with fragrant spices and vegetables to elevate the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow masarepa (precooked cornmeal)
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- 4 tablespoons corn oil divided
- 1 large poblano diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons lime juice plus lime wedges for serving
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
Instructions
- Combine masarepa, water and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Stir until a smooth dough forms. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add poblano and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in beans and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
- Meanwhile, divide the dough into 4 balls and press into disks 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 of the arepas and cook, turning once, until golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes total. Repeat with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and dough.
- Top the arepas with some of the bean mixture and cheese. Garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
Tip: Masarepa, precooked cornmeal, can be found in well-stocked grocery stores. Don't swap in masa harina (used to make tortillas). It won't give the same light texture.