Fusion Recipe Lab / Recipe

Soy Garlic Black Bean Arepa

Garlic-soy black beans, corn, and queso fresco in crispy arepa pockets.

Vehicle

arepa

Inspiration

Venezuelan / Mexican / Chinese

Flavor Profile

savory, umami, mild

Meal Type

dinner

Protein

vegetarian

Spice Level

mild

Texture

crispy

Difficulty

easy

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Prep Style

quick-weeknight

Tags

vegetarian, handheld, mild, budget-friendly

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Notebook Entry

Description

A vegetarian arepa built around a fast stovetop bean filling with sweet corn and balanced soy-garlic seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masarepa arepa dough
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Preparation

  1. Cook arepas until browned and cooked through.
  2. Saute garlic in oil, then add beans, corn, soy sauce, and cumin.
  3. Mash slightly and cook until thick.
  4. Stir in cilantro.

Assembly

  1. Stuff arepas with warm bean mixture.
  2. Top with queso fresco.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with salsa roja.
  • Add pickled onion for acidity.

Notes or Variations

  • Omit cheese for vegan version.
  • Add diced jalapeno for spice.