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A close up of arepas filled with carnitas and guasacaca.
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5 from 1 vote

Arepas Filled with Carnitas and Guasacaca

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Resting Time20 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 326kcal
Author: Teri & Jenny

Ingredients

  • 2 cups harina PAN (pre-cooked cornmeal)
  • 2 ½ cups hot water
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra for brushing and cooking
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

guasacaca

  • 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted and quartered
  • ½ small sweet onion, peeled and quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 serranos, halved and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 bunch cilantro, stemmed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

filling/garnish

  • 6 cups carnitas, shredded
  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  • Place the PAN, water, oil, and salt in a mixing bowl and stir until the mixture just comes together.
  • Cover with a damp towel and allow to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • After the dough has rested, mix it with your hands to remove any lumps.
  • Taking a small amount (about ⅓ cup) of the dough, form a flat and round disc, even in thickness.
  • Brush each side of the disc with a small amount of vegetable oil and place onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
  • Place a cast iron skillet (or some sort of heavy bottom skillet) over medium-high heat and brush with a small amount of vegetable oil.
  • Once the skillet is hot, place a few arepas onto the surface, making sure not to overcrowd, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown on each side and make a hollow sound when lightly tapped (turn the heat down to medium if the pan gets too hot).
  • Remove them from the heat and repeat with the remaining discs (you can store the cooked arepas, on a prepared sheet pan, in a warm oven while you cook the remaining batches).
  • For the guasacaca: Place the avocado, onion, garlic, serranos, vinegar, and lime juice into a blender and blender until smooth. Add the cilantro, salt and oil and continue to blend until smooth. Season with more salt and pepper.
  • To assemble: Open the arepas down the side to create pocket.
  • Open the pocket and fill with ½ cup of carnitas and top with a generous drizzle of guasacaca and a sprinkle of cotija. Repeat with the remaining arepas and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 270mg | Potassium: 397mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 3mg