Binging with Babish: Arepas con Queso from Encanto

Quick and easy episode this week folks! Arepas con queso may be the comfort food of choice for family matriarchs who can heal wounds using ancient magic, but they can also be whipped up by anyone with some masarepa (a kind of pre-cooked corn flour) and some cheese. Let's see if the shortest-ever episode of Binging is still worth watching!

Music: "add and" by Broke for Free

My playlist of preferred cooking tunes, Bangers with Babish!

[CrunchyLikeness]

The kneading is actually to help evenly distribute the water, therefore properly hydrating all the starch and pectin within the flour. Awesome to see arepas on here!

[Yamazuya]

"readily available at your local grocer" is a VERY bold statement there, Andy

[OatmealFlakes]

If you ever plan to make these again, my mom makes a little cup with the dough to stuff the cheese in before rolling it into a ball. Then when you flatten it, the cheese will spread evenly, so you don't have to struggle to slice them to put the cheese in.

[juandangavera]

The way we do them in Colombia is by stuffing the uncooked masa with graded cheese so they end up fatty and delicious, also we sometimes use a doug made from "peto" which is a different kind of corn seed

[wildsheepc]

Nearly ten years ago now, my Colombian friend made arepas (much smaller than Babish's) for dinner when I visited her house (we were in Vancouver BC at the time). I was blown away at their deliciousness and wrote down the name so I could someday make them myself, which I have yet to do due to my own confusion about masa harina vs. masarepa. And the fact that I don't know that I've seen masarepa (PAN) sold locally. Anyway, I'm glad you covered this one. :D

[forgottenfries]

Those arepas are perfect, id recommend filling them before cooking as someone said on a comment (make a cup, fill with cheese, close so it's like a dough ball with cheese filling and then you can flatten them, the cheese will evenly spread) or you can mix the cheese in the dough too! I recommend butter and salt on top, with some coffee

[christianmvalencia]

Been eating these my whole life, glad to see them being introduced to the world 🇨🇴

[gabrielawolfie]

I have made arepas my entire life, watching them be made and acknowledged all around the world now has been one of the most validating experiences of my life! I’m so happy to see people enjoying a part of my culture, I’m glad so many people love them ❤️ 🇨🇴

[TheLadySilverMoon]

So happy you did these, 'cause ever since seeing Encanto I really wanted to know what they were and how you make them.

[LyonTheGreat]

My mom's Venezuelan but she never made arepas for me growing up because she preferred the food from other cultures. It's fantastic to see this dish getting some needed mainstream attention! 🇻🇪

[jesser]

For your first time doing Arepas it was great. Maybe my only concern is the cheese, you of course can do it with whatever cheese you want but traditionally at least in my family we use a type of cheese that's quite salty like queso costeño or queso campesino crudo it depends on the region maybe others use quesillo of doble crema but yeah.

[FrankMoreiraV]

as a venezuelan, i can 100% confirm that we never let the masarepa rest for 10 minutes before putting it in the pan, as we are too impatient for that 🤣

[angiea]

Thanks for making these! I’m Colombian and learned how to make arepas as a kid. Arepas with queso fresco and butter on top has been a breakfast staple my whole life. I am so happy Encanto is showing our colorful and beautiful culture. 💛💛💙❤️

[thedumpingground]

Growing up in Colombia, eating an arepa con queso with breakfast is one of my fondest memories. Glad Encanto and Babish are doing their part to spread this dish to others 🇨🇴

[driverafranqui]

You should do a Basics about arepas (and have a guest Colombian or Venezuelan chef help you out). There are so many variations in both countries! Definitely try the arepa pabellón (Venezuelan) or arepas de choclo (Colombian)

[Temperans]

The amount of variation to arepas is honestly astounding. At least in my family we deep fry them and then stuff them with cheese/meat.

You can even change it by scooping out some of the mass and then filling it with cheese. Making it even crunchier.

[ThatCrappyGuy]

A nice Venezuelan family opened up an arepa place in our mall a few years ago. Had no idea what arepas were prior to that, but after trying one I basically order one every time I visit the mall now.

[simonreano]

As a Venezuelan, I'm all for a Basics about AREPAS! You can talk about the Colombian and Venezuelan varieties plus their different fillings and toppings! I would personally love you to make the Venezuelan type of arepa called "Reina Pepiada"! It's a monster and the queen of all arepas!

[SkerMikes]

Growing up half Colombian and half Irish, This really teared me up watching this, These foods were my childhood and you showing people how to make it makes me so happy because now more people can try this dish from my heritage. Thank you Babish you are an amazing human!

[luisalejandromoralesojeda]

Better to use “harina pan” the chemistry reaction is better and give a perfect combination between soft texture and a crust outside. Such a honor to watch making arepas 🫓.