Homemade Arepas with Pea Flour

Arepas are one of those recipes that can fit into almost any meal of the day. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, or a quick dinner—they're incredibly versatile.

For this version, we combine traditional precooked corn flour with Grano Pampa Pea Flour. The result is a tender arepa with a lightly crisp exterior and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with a wide range of fillings.

Serve them freshly cooked with cheese, avocado, sautéed vegetables, hummus, or whatever filling you happen to have on hand.

It's a simple recipe and a great way to discover another use for pea flour.

Yield: 6 arepas

Preparation Time: 35 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Nutritional Information: Source of Plant-Based Protein, High in Fiber, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredients

• 1 cup precooked corn flour for arepas

• ½ cup Grano Pampa Pea Flour

• 1 ½ cups warm water

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ cup grated cheese or mozzarella (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the mixture

In a large bowl, combine the precooked corn flour and Grano Pampa Pea Flour.

Add the salt, paprika, and garlic powder.

Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

2. Add the water

Gradually add the warm water while mixing with a spoon or your hands.

Continue mixing until you have a moist, even dough.

Helpful tip: Don't add all the water at once. Depending on the flour, you may need slightly more or less.

3. Add the oil

Add the olive oil and gently knead the dough for a few minutes.

It should feel soft, moist, and easy to handle without sticking excessively to your hands.

If it feels dry or cracks when forming a ball, add another tablespoon of water.

4. Let the dough rest

Let the dough rest for approximately 5 minutes.

This short resting time allows the flours to absorb the water and makes shaping the arepas easier.

5. Shape the arepas

Divide the dough into 6 portions.

Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten it into a disc approximately 1.5 cm thick.

If you'd like to add cheese inside, slightly flatten each portion, place some cheese in the center, close the dough around it, and reshape it into a disc.

6. Cook the arepas

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a few drops of oil.

Place the arepas in the skillet and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side.

They should be golden on the outside and firm to the touch.

Helpful tip: Medium heat allows the outside to brown without burning while the inside finishes cooking.

7. Finish cooking

If your arepas are particularly thick, lower the heat and cook them for a few additional minutes on each side.

You can also finish them in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for 5–8 minutes to ensure the center is fully cooked.

8. Slice and fill

Let the arepas rest for a few minutes.

Using a knife, make a horizontal cut without slicing completely through the other side.

Carefully open them and add your favorite filling.

Try cheese, avocado and tomato, grilled vegetables, hummus, shredded chicken, or any combination you like.

And that's it! Your homemade pea flour arepas are ready to fill and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flour is traditionally used to make arepas?

Traditional arepas are generally made with precooked corn flour. In this version, we combine it with Grano Pampa Pea Flour for a different flavor and to incorporate the qualities of legumes into the recipe.

Can I make arepas using only pea flour?

For this recipe, we recommend combining it with precooked corn flour. This helps create the characteristic texture of an arepa and makes it easier for the dough to hold its shape.

Are pea flour arepas gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the corn flour and all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free and cross-contamination is avoided during preparation.

What can I use to fill arepas?

Almost anything! Cheese, avocado, tomato, hummus, grilled vegetables, chicken, shredded beef, or scrambled eggs are all delicious options.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes. Cooked arepas can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. To bring back their texture, reheat them in a skillet, oven, or toaster.

Did you like this recipe?

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