Arepas Will Feed Your Family on a Budget

f your kids love their fried foods such as fish sticks and chicken nuggets then why not try something new for dirt cheap- Arepas! Arepas are a South American cornmeal cakes that go well with a side of pico de gallo or fresh salsa. You can find these simple ingredients at your local grocer such as Ralph's and Vons or you can even check out a local market which features foods from South America if you do not want to make them from scratch.

Although you may have to drive a bit to make it to some of these markets here are some great places in Southern California to find South American foods.

Liborio Markets: Neighborhood: Pico Union
2021 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 389-4444
www.liborio.com

Liborio Market: Neighborhood: Ontario
130 W G St
Ontario, CA 91762
909-983-4002
www.liborio.com

El Molino Market
1573 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(323) 733-8045

San Luis Market
3926 Ardmore Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280
(323) 569-1270‎

To make arepas follow this simple but delicious recipe.

Areaps ingredients
2 cups precooked masarepa cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken broth or hot water
1/2 cup canned black or pinto beans, drained
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or jack)

Directions
1. Combine cornmeal and salt in a bowl.
2. Add the broth. Mix until dough forms with no lumps.
3. Divide cooled down dough into 8 pancake sized circles
4. Cover each arepa with a damp paper towel while you heat oil in your skillet.
5. Get your hands wet and roll each piece into a ball. Make an indentation or pit in each ball.
6. Fill the pit with a teaspoon of beans and cheese. Flatten each ball into a pancake size patty.
7. Fry each patty on the griddle until crispy about 5 minutes each side.
8. Serve with a side of pico de gallo or salsa.

Yummy on a budget!