Arepa Pabellon Made with Pork

shredded beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Chicken is leaner, while ground beef is often more affordable.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are high in protein, while canned beans save prep time.

fried plantains

🥗Healthier: baked plantains

💰Cheaper: sweet potatoes

Baked plantains reduce fat, and sweet potatoes offer a similar sweetness.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without dairy, while cottage cheese is often less expensive.

Prepare arepa dough by mixing flour and water until smooth.

Divide dough into balls and flatten into discs.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook arepas until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side.

In another pan, heat oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.

Add shredded beef to the pan with cumin, salt, and pepper; cook until heated through.

In a separate pot, heat black beans until warm; season with salt and lime juice.

Fry plantains in hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes.

Slice arepas open to create pockets.

Stuff each arepa with beef, black beans, fried plantains, and cheese.

Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: