Arepas Venezolanas

Step by stepInstructions

1. Stir the salt into the warm water in a bowl, then add the cornmeal and oil and mix with your hands into a soft, smooth dough.
2. Rest the dough 5 minutes, then divide it into 4 balls and flatten each into a 1/2-inch-thick, 4-inch round.
3. Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, oil it lightly, and cook the arepas 5 to 6 minutes per side until deeply golden with brown spots.
4. Transfer the arepas to a 350°F oven for 10 minutes — this steams the inside through while keeping the crust crisp.
5. Cool 2 minutes, split open with a knife, butter generously, and fill as you like.