Arepa Frita
Arepa Frita is a golden, crispy fried cornmeal patty originating from Venezuela and Colombia, made from pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa) and water, often seasoned with salt. It serves as a versatile staple, typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a side dish, and can be split open to be stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meats, or beans.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates, providing moderate energy with a relatively low protein and fat content unless filled or cooked with added fats. A plain arepa frita offers key nutrients like iron and B vitamins from the corn, with a rough calorie ballpark of 200-250 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 44 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3.2 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 45 µg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 95 mg |
| Zinc | 0.8 mg |
| Selenium | 3.2 µg |
Per 1 medium arepa (approx. 100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the arepa is a profound symbol of daily life and identity in Venezuela and Colombia, with regional variations and a long history predating European contact. Nutritionally, it's a gluten-free staple made from nixtamalized corn, which enhances the bioavailability of nutrients like niacin.
