Vegan Arepas

Vegan Arepas (Reina Pepiada)

 

Ingredients:

 

-1 cup Pre-Cooked White Cornmeal, plus additional for mixing

-1 cup Warm Water

-1 tablespoon Salt

-1 cup Vegan Chicken, diced

-3/4 cup Avocado, diced

-1/2 cup Onion, finely diced

-1/4 cup Vegan Mayo

-1/4 cup Cilantro, diced

-1 tablespoon Garlic, minced

-The Juice of Half a Lime

-3-5 dashes Chipotle Hot Sauce (optional)

-Nonstick Spray

The Following Seasonings to Taste:

-Garlic Powder

-Onion Powder

-Black Pepper

-Ground Oregano

 

Directions:

 

1. In a large bowl, use your hands to dissolve the salt into the water. Add the cornmeal and use your hands to combine. Add additional cornmeal little by little until the dough comes together and stops sticking to your hands. Split the dough in half and form it into two balls. Then, flatten the balls into discs that are about a 1/4 inch thick. The arepas should resemble mini frisbees. Cover the arepas with a damp towel and prepare the filling

2. Season the vegan chicken with your seasonings of choice and spray with the nonstick spray.  Bake for 5-7 minutes at 400ºF or until golden brown. Add the vegan chicken into a large bowl along with the avocado, onion, mayo, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and hot sauce. Season to taste and set aside

3. Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Spray with the nonstick spray and gently add the arepas. Pan fry for about ten minutes, turning frequently

4. Transfer the arepas to a 400ºF oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes

5. Slice the arepas open (through the center, splitting it open like a hamburger bun) half way. Spoon a generous amount of the filling into each arepa.