Venezuelan Arepas with Black Beans✨

Looking for a savory comfort dish that’s nourishing and comforting? 

These Venezuelan Arepas with Black Beans are a delightful blend of juicy and flavorful black beans assembled in Arepas made of cornmeal that melts in your mouth 😍.

Perfect for spring parties, weekend brunch, date night, or a cozy indulgence at home🏡

Make these with friends or family for a joyful spring moment 👫👩‍👧‍👦

Why this Recipe?

🥜 Protein-packed 

Black beans and cornmeal deliver a wholesome balance of plant protein and fiber for lasting energy. 

🌱 Climate-conscious

No eggs, no dairy, only goodness of plant-based ingredients🌍💚

🎉 Meal-prep and freezer-friendly

Easy to shape, store, and reheat,  keeps beautifully for up to a week and tastes even better the next day!

🕒 Preparation Time

• Prep: 25 minutes
  Cook: 35 minutes
  Total: 60 minutes
  Servings: 2 black bean-filled arepas

  Nutrient Information(per arepa) : 

  • Calories: ~720 kcal

  • Protein: ~22 g

  • Carbs: ~86 g

  • Fats: ~30 g

  • Fibre: ~15 g

🥣 Ingredients

• For the arepas

  • 2 cups pre‑cooked white corn meal (Harina PAN)

  • 2 cups boiling water

  • 1 tbsp salt

  • Optional

    • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

    • 200 g vegan mozzarella

    • 1 tbsp margarine

• For the beans

  • 400 g kidney or black canned beans

  • 1 onion

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 1 tomato

  • 1 tbsp salt

  • 1 tsp pepper

• Optional

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp curcuma

  • 200 g grated vegan cheese

  ✨ All ingredients are easily available at your local supermarket!

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Arepas

• Preheat a flat pan with 1 tablespoon of oil

• In a bowl, mix boiling water, salt, and optional margarine, nutritional yeast, or cheese

• Slowly add corn flour while stirring to avoid clumps; mix until a uniform dough forms

• Wet hands and roll dough into balls (finger‑thick, 7–10 cm wide). If sticky, add a little flour. If cracking, add a little water

• Flatten each ball into a disc

• Place in a very hot pan, then reduce the heat and cook on low for 15 minutes

• Flip when edges look cracked, golden, or move easily; use a quick spatula flip if sticking

Beans

• Sauté onion and garlic in oil until softened

• Add pepper, spices, and tomato paste (or grated tomato) and sauté briefly

• Season with salt and pepper

• Add beans and cook for 15 minutes on medium heat

• Let the arepas cool slightly

• Slice open with a knife

• Fill with beans and optional cheese

Credits: Alejandro Montaño