Teresa's Recipes
Arepas with Pulled Pork
Experience the rich flavors of South America with these delectable arepas filled with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork. This dish is not just a meal; it's an invitation to gather around the table and relish the vibrant textures and tastes. Arepas, a traditional staple in Venezuela and Colombia, are cornmeal cakes that provide the perfect vessel for savory fillings. Each bite is a delightful combination of smoky spices, juicy pork, and fresh toppings, making it a dish that's sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds Pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 4-6, store-bought or homemade Arepas
- for serving Lime wedges
- 1/2 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1, diced Tomato
- 1, sliced Avocado
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture generously all over the pork shoulder to ensure even flavor.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavors and adds depth.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
- While the pork is resting, prepare the arepas according to package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe.
- Slice each arepa in half, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Fill each arepa with generous portions of pulled pork.
- Top with sliced avocado, diced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the arepas.
Tips
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the toppings.
- If you prefer a crispier arepa, after filling, you can grill them for a couple of minutes on each side.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorites like cheese or sautéed bell peppers.