What To Eat With Arepas (Toppings, Side Dishes, Desserts and More!)
Whether you’re looking for a tasty topping or a delicious main course, we’ve got tips on some of the best things to eat with arepas so you can add a little variety and flavor to your meal!
From classic accompaniments like black beans and fried plantains, to more creative options like mango salsa, this article will provide you with plenty of ideas for what to eat with arepas.
Traditional sides for arepas include black beans, diced avocado with lime juice, sliced tomatoes and fresh cheese curd.
Other great options to serve with arepas include plantains cooked in garlic oil, grilled corn on the cob or roasted sweet potatoes.
For a heartier meal you could also add shredded beef or chicken as well as fried eggs and crispy bacon strips.
With so many possibilities it’s easy to find the perfect side dishes for your next arepa feast!
Sweet and Savory Toppings for Arepas
One of the best things about arepas is the variety of sweet and savory toppings that you can add to customize your meal.
For those who like something on the sweeter side, some classic options include honey, nutella, dulce de leche or even fruit jam such as guava or passionfruit.
I’m also a fan of sweet mango salsa on top.
If you’re looking for something more savory, consider topping your arepas with grilled chicken, steak strips, beef chorizo or smoked salmon.
You can also top them with cheese and avocado slices for an added burst of flavor.
When it comes to pairing your toppings with arepas there really aren’t any hard and fast rules; experiment to find combinations that work for you!
To get started try adding a combination of both sweet and savory flavors for a unique taste experience – think hickory-smoked bacon topped with cream cheese and fresh strawberries!
Or why not mix together diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers mixed into melted cheese?
The possibilities are endless!
Side Dishes to Serve with Arepas
Whether you prefer something more traditional as a side dish or something more modern and creative, there are plenty of options for you.
One classic side dish to serve with arepas is black beans.
The combination of the hearty corn cakes and savoury black beans creates an amazing balance of flavours that will satisfy any appetite.
For added flavour, mix in some diced bell pepper, onions and garlic into the bean mixture before serving it alongside the arepas.
Another great option for sides to serve with your arepas is roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes or squash slices tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper.
This makes a light but tasty addition to your plate that pairs nicely with other components like traditional Latin American salsas or sauces like chimichurri sauce which adds zesty notes from parsley, cilantro & garlic.
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side try salads!
An easy way to make a salad special would be adding fresh avocado cubes on top or using arugula instead of lettuce as a base ingredient; both provide incredible texture & flavor that goes perfectly with arepas.
Finally if you want something truly unique try making ceviche – yes I said it ceviche!
It may sound odd but trust me when I say it’s absolutely delicious when paired together – finely chopped raw fish marinated in citrus juices like lime & lemon juice topped off by red onion slices then served over freshly made arepas (just make sure they’re hot!)
Desserts to Enjoy after Eating Arepas
Since arepas can be savory or sweet depending on the toppings used, look for complementary flavors in your dessert choice.
A classic option is Tres Leches cake, which pairs well with many Latin-inspired dishes. Its delicate yet creamy texture complements the crisp exterior of arepas perfectly.
To add some variety to your dessert selection, try adding dulce de leche flan to the menu as it adds subtle sweetness without overpowering any other flavours.
For something unique, opt for Colombian buñuelos – lightly fried dough balls served with syrup or honey that give a slightly crunchy texture perfect for pairing with delicate corn cakes.
If you’re looking for something lighter, consider opting for papaya mousse; this tropical treat combines fresh fruit and cream into one delightful dish that refreshes the palate after eating arepas.
No matter what type of sweets you choose to enjoy after eating arepas there’s sure to be something delicious available!
Pairing different flavours together will create unforgettable meals everyone will love indulging in again and again!
Wines That Pair Well With Arepas
When it comes to pairing a great wine with your arepas, there’s no shortage of options.
Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or dinner, the savory and unique flavors of arepas can be complemented by many different types of wines.
Here are some great suggestions to make your meal even more special:
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is often an excellent choice when pairing with any type of corn-based dish.
The subtle tropical fruit notes in this white wine mesh well with the earthy sweetness found in most varieties of arepas.
It also has enough acidity to handle the added spice often associated with Latin American cuisine.
For red lovers, Malbec can be a perfect accompaniment for arepas as well.
Its bold structure and dark berry layers will bring out all the best characteristics that come from cooking maize-based dishes over firewood or charcoal grills like many traditional recipes suggest.
The spicy undertones present in medium-bodied rosés also pair nicely with many styles of Venezuelan and Colombian fillings such as shredded beef or cochino guisado (braised pork).
Dry Spanish rosés offer a zesty contrast which brings out the full flavor profile without being too overwhelming on either side; making it one of our top choices when trying new food combinations!
