Reina Pepiada arepas, hailing from Venezuela, are a regal delight stuffed with a decadent mixture of shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and a touch of mayonnaise. The dish, named “Curvy Queen” in English, is a tribute to the legendary beauty Susana Duijm, Miss World 1955, known as “La Reina” (The Queen) in Venezuela.
Country | Venezuela |
Difficulty | Easy |
Type | Main Course |
Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 35 minutes |
Serving Size | 4 arepas |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Prepare the Arepa Dough:
- In a bowl, combine masarepa, warm water, and salt. Knead until you have a soft, pliable dough.
- Shape and Cook Arepas:
- Divide the dough into 4 portions. Shape each into a disk and cook on a hot griddle until golden.
- Prepare Filling:
- Mix shredded chicken, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add grated mozzarella.
- Assemble Arepas:
- Slice each arepa to create a pocket. Stuff with the filling mixture.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy the royal flavors of Reina Pepiada arepas!
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories | 350 kcal |
Fat | 18g |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Sugar | 1g |
Fiber | 6g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Experiment with different cheeses or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Tips or Variations:
- Ensure the arepas are well-cooked to achieve the perfect texture.
- You can add sliced avocados inside the arepa together with the filling mixture
- Cooked onion can be also added to the filling mixture
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Popular across South America, especially in Colombia.
Allergen Checklist:
- Gluten-free, nut-free.
- It is easily adaptable for vegetarians; skip the chicken or substitute with plant-based alternatives.