Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Healthcare Nondiscrimination

Accessibility

Virginia Consumer Privacy

All Celebrations

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrations

All Recipes

Soups & Salads

Main Dishes

Side Dishes

Desserts & Drinks

Recipes

Savings

Shop

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

YouTube

Corn meal 

Image of arepas with carnitas and sweet potato

Appetizers & Snacks

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Steps

Nutritional information

Bring the flavors of your traditions straight to your kitchen with this delicious staple.

Arepas with Carnitas and Sweet Potato

Cut onion in half, then slice (about 1 cup). Place in bowl with vinegar. Let stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place water in microwave-safe dish; microwave on HIGH 1 minute or until warm. Combine cornmeal and 3 teaspoons salt; add to water and whisk until smooth. Let stand 10 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Divide cornmeal mixture into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten gently to create 1-inch-thick discs. Heat 3/4 cup oil in large, heavy sauté pan on medium 3–4 minutes. Add arepas to pan (in batches, if needed); fry 6–7 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer arepas to paper towel–lined baking sheet; let stand 5 minutes to cool.

Peel sweet potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups). Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place remaining 3 tablespoons oil in pan; add potatoes, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and tender. Remove potatoes and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, drain beans and place in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30–60 seconds. Chop cilantro (1/4 cup); juice limes (2 tablespoons). Combine in small bowl: crema, salsa, lime juice, and cilantro until blended. Shred pork (about 2 cups) and crumble queso fresco (about 1 1/2 cups).

Cut arepas, creating pockets; fill evenly with pork, potatoes, and beans. Drizzle with sauce and top with queso fresco and pickled onions. Serve.

Corn meal  Archives - Hispanic Heritage Microsite (EN)

Home

Hispanic Heritage Microsite (EN)