A Trip to the Santarepa Cafe in Santa Fe, New Mexico / How to Make Venezuelan Arepas Pabellón

shredded beef

🥗Healthier: pulled chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Pulled chicken is lower in fat, while ground beef is often less expensive.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and can be more affordable.

fried plantains

🥗Healthier: baked plantains

💰Cheaper: sweet potatoes

Baked plantains reduce oil use, while sweet potatoes are usually less costly.

grated cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Prepare arepa dough by mixing flour and water until smooth.

Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into discs.

Cook the arepas on a hot grill until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add shredded beef to the skillet and season with cumin, salt, and pepper; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

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

Fry plantains in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Slice the cooked arepas open to create pockets.

Fill each arepa with a layer of black beans, then add the beef mixture.

Top with fried plantains and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens