Arepas de Carne Mechada are a delicious Venezuelan dish, made with a kind of corn flour dough and stuffed with slow cooked, shredded beef, and spices. This dish is easy to make, and the results are always flavorful and delicious. If you’re looking to make something special for dinner, give Arepas de Carne Mechada a try!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pre-cooked corn flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the corn flour, water, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Rub the mixture into the flank steak.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flank steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Once cool enough to handle, shred the flank steak with two forks. Set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and tomato paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded flank steak and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc shape, about ½-inch thick.
- Fill each disc with a scoop of the beef mixture. Pinch the edges of the discs together to seal in the filling and form them into a patty shape.
- Place the patties on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Arepas de Carne Mechada are a delicious way to enjoy a classic Venezuelan dish. The slow-cooked beef is tender and full of flavor, and the corn flour dough adds a unique texture to the dish. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make this delicious dish at home in no time!
