Masarepa

Masarepa is a type of pre-cooked cornmeal that is used to make traditional Latin American dishes such as arepas and empanadas. It is made by soaking dried corn, removing the outer lining, and then grinding the corn into a fine flour. This flour is then cooked and dried again to create masarepa.

History

The use of masarepa dates back to the indigenous peoples of South America, who would grind corn into a flour to make a variety of dishes. The process of making masarepa has remained largely unchanged over the centuries, with the main difference being that it is now often made on a larger scale in factories.

Uses

Masarepa is most commonly used to make arepas, a type of bread that is popular in Colombia and Venezuela. Arepas are typically filled with cheese, meat, or other fillings and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Masarepa is also used to make empanadas, a type of pastry that is filled with meat or cheese and then fried or baked.

In addition to arepas and empanadas, masarepa can also be used to make other dishes such as tamales, hallacas, and sancochos. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Preparation

To prepare masarepa, it is typically mixed with water and salt to form a dough. This dough can then be shaped into patties or other forms and cooked on a griddle or in a pan. The resulting bread or pastry is often slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Availability

Masarepa can be found in many grocery stores in the international foods section, particularly in areas with a large Latin American population. It can also be purchased online.

See also

• Cornmeal
• Arepas
• Empanadas