Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. pork belly
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- A deep frying pan
- A mixing bowl
- A griddle or non-stick pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the pork belly into small pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
3. Place the seasoned pork belly in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour or until crispy.
4. While the pork belly is cooking, prepare the arepas. In a mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, water, and salt. Mix well until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball to form a disc.
6. Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the arepas for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Once the pork belly is crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, chop it into small pieces.
8. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped pork belly and fry until golden brown and crispy.
9. To assemble the dish, place an arepa on a plate and top it with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, add a spoonful of the crispy pork belly on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
- Frying pan temperature: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 580
- Total fat: 32g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Total carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork belly can be substituted with bacon or pork rinds.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced avocado or tomato on top of the arepa for extra flavor.
- Use different seasonings for the pork belly, such as paprika or chili powder.
- Add a fried egg on top of the dish for a breakfast twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the pork belly is crispy before removing it from the oven.
- Use a non-stick pan or griddle to prevent the arepas from sticking.
- Add a little bit of butter to the arepas for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover pork belly and arepas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the pork belly, place it in a frying pan over medium heat and cook until crispy.
- To reheat the arepas, place them in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dish on a colorful plate to make it more visually appealing.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for extra flavor.
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Green onions
- Sliced avocado
- Tomato
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of black beans or rice for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans
- Rice
- Fried plantains
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the arepas are too dry, add a little bit of water to the dough.
- If the pork belly is not crispy enough, bake it for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork belly is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Chicharrón con Arepa is a popular dish in Colombia and Venezuela. It is often served for breakfast or as a snack.
Flavor profiles:
- The dish is savory and crispy, with a hint of spice from the cumin and garlic powder.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dish hot and enjoy it with your favorite beverage.
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Region: Colombian