Arepas, the versatile and beloved staple of Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine, are a delight on their own but truly shine when paired with complementary dishes. Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the accompaniments can enhance the experience by providing contrasting flavors, textures, and even cultural nuances. Here's a comprehensive guide to what to eat with arepas, covering classic sides, creative sauces, refreshing beverages, and more.
Classic Sides
1. Black Beans and Plantains
- Description: A traditional pairing that balances the savory arepas with sweet plantains and hearty black beans.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, and satisfying.
- Best For: Breakfast or a hearty lunch.
2. Avocado
- Description: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole add richness and freshness to the meal.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, buttery, with a hint of citrus.
- Best For: Anytime, particularly for brunch or a light dinner.
3. Venezuelan Chicken Salad (Reina Pepiada)
- Description: A chicken and avocado salad mixture, often used as a filling for arepas.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
- Best For: Lunch or dinner, served inside or alongside arepas.
4. Cheese
- Description: Queso fresco or any soft, crumbly cheese complements the arepas with its mild flavor.
- Flavor Profile: Salty, mild, and slightly tangy.
- Best For: Any mealtime, especially breakfast or a light dinner.
Sauces and Condiments
1. Guasacaca Sauce
- Description: A Venezuelan avocado-based sauce with cilantro and lime, similar to guacamole but thinner.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy.
- Best For: Serving alongside arepas as a dipping sauce or topping.
2. Hogao
- Description: Colombian tomato and onion sauce that adds a savory touch to arepas.
- Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic.
- Best For: Breakfast or dinner, served on top of or alongside arepas.
3. Aji Sauce
- Description: A spicy condiment made with hot peppers, cilantro, and vinegar.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, and fresh.
- Best For: Adding a kick to any meal with arepas.
Beverages
1. Colombian Coffee
- Description: Rich, robust coffee that complements the simplicity of arepas.
- Flavor Profile: Bold, slightly bitter, with nutty undertones.
- Best For: Breakfast or brunch.
2. Aguapanela
- Description: Colombian hot drink made with panela (unrefined whole cane sugar).
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, comforting, with caramel notes.
- Best For: Breakfast or a comforting drink anytime.
3. Fresh Fruit Juice
- Description: Tropical fruit juices such as passion fruit, mango, or guava.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and refreshing.
- Best For: Anytime, particularly as a refreshing drink with arepas.
Desserts
1. Bunuelos
- Description: Colombian fried dough balls, often served with a syrup or sugar.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, crispy, and indulgent.
- Best For: A sweet treat after a meal with arepas.
2. Flan
- Description: Creamy caramel custard dessert.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, smooth, and decadent.
- Best For: A classic dessert to complement the simplicity of arepas.
3. Arequipe (Dulce de Leche)
- Description: Sweet, caramel-like spread or sauce.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, rich, and creamy.
- Best For: Spreading on arepas or as a topping for dessert.
Conclusion
Arepas are not just a meal but a cultural experience, and choosing the right accompaniments can elevate this experience to new heights. Whether you prefer traditional pairings like black beans and plantains or more contemporary options like guasacaca sauce and Colombian coffee, the key is to balance flavors and textures to complement the hearty corn cakes. Experiment with these suggestions to discover your favorite combinations and enjoy the rich culinary heritage that surrounds arepas.
