Venezuelan Arepas: A Delicious Gluten free and Versatile Food
Enjoy a delicious arepa with a passion fruit juice at Liqui-Liqui London
Arepas are a staple food in Venezuelan cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious, versatile corn cakes are eaten on a regular basis as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks in Venezuela. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy breakfast or a hearty and filling meal, arepas are the perfect choice. And guess what? They are also gluten free.
At Liqui-Liqui, we consider ourselves a bit of an arepa experts as we have been making and serving arepas in our family run restaurant in Colliers Wood, London since 2016.
So, What are Venezuelan Arepas?
Arepas are made from a simple mixture of cornmeal, water, and salt. The dough is formed into small, flat rounds and then cooked on a griddle or in a pan until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The result is a delicious and filling cake that can be eaten plain or filled with a variety of ingredients.
And tell me a bit more about the history of Venezuelan arepas?
Venezuelan arepas have a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. It is believed that arepas have been a staple food in Venezuela for over 500 years, and they have become a symbol of Venezuelan culture and cuisine.
The origins of arepas can be traced back to the indigenous people of South America, who used corn to make a variety of dishes. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in South America, they were introduced to arepas and quickly adopted the dish into their own cuisine. Over time, arepas evolved and became a staple food in Venezuela, and they have been enjoyed by generations of Venezuelans ever since.
A delicious vegetarian arepas made by our team at Liqui-Liqui London
So what is the big deal about venezuelan arepas:
Arepas are a delicious and versatile food that should be on everyone's radar. At Liqui-Liqui restaurant in Colliers Wood, South West London, arepas are a must-try dish that are perfect to enjoy with friends. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a great option for sharing. Here are a few reasons why you should grab some friends and head to Liqui-Liqui to enjoy some arepas:
1 - The wonderful versatility of a Venezuelan arepa
““By the way, in the investigations we found that even the caviar arepa did exist in the Hermanos Álvarez arepera””
With this quote found in “El estimulo” , a very popular and well respected online Venezuelan magazine, you can get an idea of how incredibly versatile the arepa can be.
The versatility of arepas is one of the reasons they are so popular in Venezuela. They can be filled with anything from cheese and meats to vegetables and sauces. They can be eaten as a sandwich, with fillings sandwiched between two arepas, or as a side dish with a variety of toppings.
Here are three of the most popular arepa fillings in Venezuela:
Reina Pepiada: This is a classic filling that consists of shredded chicken mixed with avocado, mayonnaise, and spices. The creamy texture of the avocado pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making this filling a crowd-pleaser.
Pelua: This filling is made with shredded beef and cheese, and is a hearty and filling option for those who love meat. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture to the filling, making it a delicious and satisfying option.
Pabellon: This filling is a classic Venezuelan dish that consists of shredded beef, black beans, and plantain. It is a great option for those who want a filling and nutritious meal, as the combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber makes it a well-rounded dish. The plantain adds a sweet and slightly starchy flavor to the filling, while the black beans provide a protein-rich and flavorful addition.
Dominó: inspired in the black and white pieces of the extremely popular game of Dominoes in Venezuela comes the wonderful vegetarian option of the Dominó. The filling is savoury black beans and grated white cheese. Unbeatable combination if you ask us!
2 - Sharing is caring:
Arepas are a great food to share with friends, as they can be split open and filled with a variety of delicious toppings. This makes them a perfect option for a casual lunch or dinner with friends, as everyone can try a little bit of everything.
At Liqui-Liqui London we even have a sharing platter that allows you try the different flavours with your friends and family. Check it out in our Menu
3 - Perfect for any occasion:
Arepas are a great food choice for any occasion. They are easy to make, filling, and delicious, making them the perfect food for any time of day. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, arepas are sure to satisfy.
4 - arepas are always Affordable:
Arepas are an affordable food choice that won't break the bank. They are a great option for those who are on a budget, as they are filling and delicious without being too expensive.
Mini smiley arepas perfect for sharing at Liqui-Liqui London
5 - Arepas are the latin Casual eating staple food
Hamburgers are American, Pizza is Italian but Arepa’s are the Latin American casual food of choice. Eaten with your hands, therefore they do not require the formality of cutlery. You can if you want use cutlery but do enjoy the informality of eating with your hands and getting messy if necessary.
6.- Did you know that arepas are gluten free?
Another great aspect of Venezuelan arepas is that they are naturally gluten-free. This makes them a great option for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, as they can enjoy this delicious staple food without any negative health effects. The dough for arepas is made from cornmeal, which is a naturally gluten-free grain, and does not contain any wheat flour.
This gluten-free quality of arepas also makes them a great option for those who are following a gluten-free diet for other health reasons, such as for digestive or immune system support. And, because they are made with simple, wholesome ingredients, arepas are a nutritious food choice that won't leave you feeling weighed down or sluggish.
Whether you are gluten-free or not, the delicious taste and versatility of Venezuelan arepas make them a great food choice.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a great food choice to enjoy with friends, then Venezuelan arepas at Liqui-Liqui in Colliers Wood, South West London are the perfect option. With their delicious taste, versatility, and affordability, arepas are a great food choice for any occasion. So, grab some friends and head to Liqui-Liqui to enjoy some delicious arepas today!
Can’t get to our restaurant in south west London? Don’t worry we ship our frozen pre-cooked arepas all over the UK.
