The egg arepa, or “arepa de huevo” in Spanish, is a traditional dish hailing from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, particularly popular in the departments of Atlantico, Bolivar, and Magdalena. It is a variation of the classic arepa, a staple in Colombian cuisine, which is made from ground maize dough and cooked on a griddle until it becomes a delicious golden flatbread.
Colombia’s egg arepa
The process of making the arepa begins with preparing the cornmeal dough, which is typically made with pre-cooked corn flour known as “masarepa.” This dough is shaped into small, round discs, and a small hole is made in the center to create a space for the egg. The hole is then filled with a raw egg and sealed to encase the egg entirely within the arepa.
Afterward, the stuffed arepas are carefully fried in hot oil until they become crispy on the outside and the egg inside is cooked to perfection. The result is a delectable combination of textures—a crispy and golden exterior with a moist and flavorful egg center.
@chefanagalvis Arepa e’ huevo 🫓🥚✨ de la Costa Caribe colombiana 🇨🇴 para el mundo 🗺️ Cosa vieja, cosa buena con que no podrá “lo nuevo” es la empanada con huevo oriunda de Cartagena 🌞 – Daniel Lemaitre ✍️ ✨ Masa 1 1/4 c/dita sal 2 tz agua tibia 2 tz de harina de maíz precocida amarilla (más conocida como harina pan) ✨ Relleno Sal 9 huevos ✨ Otros Aceite de canola o girasol para freír ✨ Acompañamientos Suero costeño 👉🏻 Salen 9 unidades de 80g c/u aproximadamente. 10cm de diámetro x 5mm de grosor. 👉🏻 Deja una de las bolas de masa para utilizar como pegamento de huecos o porocidades. 👉🏻 En las cocinas ancestrales utilizan agua con ajo para untar y saborizar la masa antes de llevarla a primera fritura. 👉🏻 1ra fritura: 190°C / 2da fritura: 170°C #arepa #arepas #arepacolombiana #arepaehuevo #receta #recetas #recetasfaciles #fritura #huevo #huevofrito #colombia #costacaribe #cartagena #lecreuset #recetastiktok ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life(1370843) – SUNNY HOOD STUDIO
Each region along the Caribbean coast might have its unique twist on the recipe, adding special seasonings or fillings to enhance the flavor. It is often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, or a snack during the day. You’ll find it being sold at local markets, street food stalls, and traditional Colombian eateries, where vendors expertly prepare and serve this cherished treat to eager customers.
For anyone visiting Colombia, trying an egg arepa is a culinary experience that should not be missed. The combination of flavors and the satisfying crunch of the fried dough make it a delightful snack or meal at any time of the day.
The egg arepa is commonly enjoyed with homemade sauces, either spicy (ají picante) or sweet (pineapple sauce), but especially with suero costeño—a tangy, creamy, and slightly salty fermented milk product typical of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
To balance the rich flavors of the egg arepa, it is often paired with a refreshing fruit juice. A common choice is corozo juice, made from the corozo fruit, a unique and tangy fruit that grows in the Caribbean region of Colombia.