Venezuela: Recipes and Cuisine
Venezuelan Recipes
Arepas
(Venezuelan corncakes)
Arepas were originally made by the indigenous inhabitants of Venezuela and Colombia. These small corncakes are sold in Venezuelan restaurants called areperías and are stuffed with all manner of fillings like a sandwich. In Colombia, arepas are made a little smaller and are spread with butter or topped with cheese. Read more »
Caraotas Negras
(Venezuelan black beans in broth; see Frijoles de la Olla recipe variations)
Empanadas
(Latin savory stuffed pastries)
Empanadas are meat pies popular throughout the Latin world. They probably originated in Galicia in the northwest corner of Spain. Spanish settlers introduced empanadas to the New World, and they are a special favorite in Chile and Argentina. The variety of fillings for empanadas is endless and includes stewlike mixtures chicken, beef, ham and cheese, fish and seafood. Other fillings include spinach, peas, potatoes, pumpkin and beans. Read more »
Guasacaca
(Venezuelan spicy avocado salsa)
Guasacaca is a popular condiment in Venezuela that is very similar to Mexican guacamole. Serve it as an accompaniment to grilled meats, poultry, salads, empanadas or arepas. Read more »
Pabellón Criollo
(Venezuelan shredded beef with beans, rice and plantains)
Pabellón criollo is the quintessential Venezuelan meal. The various components of the dish are a balance of flavors and colors that make a Venezuelan's heart sing: shredded beef, simmered black beans, fried rice plantains and hot rice. Sometimes a fried egg is thrown on the top for good measure. Read more »
Ponche Crema
(Venezuelan creamy rum beverage; see Coquito recipe variations)
Tajadas de Plátano
(Venezuelan fried plantains; see Plátanos Fritos recipe)
Yuca Frita
(Latin American cassava fries)
Yuca is a starchy staple vegetable in Latin America and the Caribbean that is used in much the same way as potatoes. In this tasty recipe it is deep fried like French fries.
