28 Tasty Reina Pepiada And Other Colombian Recipes You Must Try

Reina Pepiada is a beloved savory delight typically reserved for milestone celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and graduations.

Its complex flavor profile and indulgent texture have earned it a special place in the hearts of many, particularly during the festive season.

With its reputation as a Christmas-time favorite, we’re thrilled to share 28 mouthwatering Reina Pepiada and other Colombian recipes for you to savor.

Reina Pepiada

Reina Pepiada is a mouthwatering fusion of flavors and textures that brings together the crispy sweetness of fried plantains, the savory juiciness of chicken, and the creamy richness of avocado. All these elements are thoughtfully wrapped inside a crispy cornmeal arepa bread, creating a delightful harmony of sensations that can be savored on its own or paired with other dishes for a more substantial meal.

Reina Pepiada With Chicken And Avocado

Arepas, a staple in Venezuelan cuisine, bear a striking resemblance to flatbreads or tortillas. While they may share similarities with their Latin American counterparts, arepas have a unique charm of their own. In Venezuela, these corn cakes are often served as a vessel for various fillings and toppings, showcasing the versatility of this traditional dish. The specific arepas featured here are a savory delight, packed with shredded chicken and garnished with creamy avocado slices.

Easy Venezuela Arepas

In Venezuela, a staple food is the humble arepa. This simple yet flavorful treat is made from a combination of precooked cornmeal, olive oil, salt, and hot water. And the best part? It can be enjoyed at any time of day. While traditional fillings include scrambled eggs with onions and tomatoes, chicken avocado salad, or even ham and cheese, the possibilities are truly endless.

The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of an arepa provide a perfect canvas for any topping you might choose – whether it’s sweet, savory, or something in between.

Arepas Reina Pepiada Recipe

In Venezuela, the culinary scene offers a unique blend of traditional dishes and international flavors. While arepas, empanadas, and cachapas are staples of Venezuelan cuisine, it’s the innovative fusion of flavors that truly stands out. One such example is the Reina Pepiada sandwich, which fills crispy bread with tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy mayo – a harmonious combination that will leave you craving more.

Filling Reina Pepiada Arepas Recipe

To prepare the filling, start by setting aside half of the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Next, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cilantro, garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in another bowl. Add the remaining shredded chicken to this mixture and stir well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble and serve the dish.

Addicting Arepa Reina Pepiada

While the main ingredients are crucial to the success of the arepa pabellón, the addition of shredded beef, double-cooked plantains, and crumbled Cotija cheese elevate the dish to new heights. The harmonious blend of these flavors creates a rich and satisfying taste experience. Furthermore, the contrasting textures – with the crunchy plantain adding a delightful surprise – make for a truly engaging culinary adventure.

Colombian Arepa Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting cornmeal cake oozing with melted cheese and topped with an array of flavors. But what truly elevates this classic treat is its connection to local traditions and the care that goes into preparing it fresh off the griddle. In Colombia, arepas de queso have been a beloved staple for generations, and we’re excited to share our recipe for these authentic, cheesy treats.

Reina Pepiada Arepa With Chicken And Avocado

The allure of Reina Pepiada lies in its uncanny ability to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Venezuela. The judicious addition of avocado lends a silky smoothness, perfectly balancing the bold flavors imparted by the chicken’s subtle spice. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a culinary haven that seamlessly blends traditional flair with modern delight.

Traditional Reina Pepiada

To create this dish, you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen – just a few basic ingredients and some simple preparation. The essentials include corn flour, oil, onion, garlic, cilantro, tomato sauce, lime juice, salt, pepper, and cheese. Once you have all these components ready, simply combine them together and bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes.

Venezuelan Arepas Recipe

Combine cornmeal, oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Mix well to ensure even distribution. Next, add 100 ml of cold water and let the mixture soak for a few minutes. This will help the ingredients come together as a cohesive dough. Once the mixture has soaked, it’s time to knead. Continue kneading until you reach a smooth, slightly wet, and soft texture. As you work with the dough, make sure to break up any lumps that form.

To create uniformly sized arepas, divide the dough into portions weighing approximately 150 g each. Continue until all the dough has been portioned out. Shape each portion into a ball using your hands, applying a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Finally, flatten each ball into a disk shape using your fingers or the heel of your hand, lightly coated with oil. To cook the arepas, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil.

Cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping once during cooking.

Reina Pepiada And Arepa Sifrina

Combining the flavors of Venezuela, this Arepa Reina Pepiada recipe brings together two beloved dishes in one delicious snack. Filled with melted cheese, sautéed vegetables, and tender seasoned pork, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The crowning glory is a rich peanut sauce, drizzled artfully over the top, accompanied by crispy fried plantains that add a satisfying crunch.

Traditional Venezuelan Hallacas

Hallacas, a staple of Venezuelan cuisine, are traditional tamales that boast rich flavors and unique preparation methods. Typically, these steamed delights are filled with savory ground meats such as beef, pork, or chicken, carefully wrapped in banana leaves to create a tender and aromatic treat.

While some families may choose to give their Hallacas an extra crispy twist by rolling them into balls and frying them, the majority of people prefer to savor them straight from the pot, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

Empanadas

Hailing from South America, empanadas have become a staple food item that has gained popularity globally. These savory pastries can be filled with an assortment of ingredients including meat, cheese, vegetables, and even combinations of these. The term ’empanaditas’ is often used interchangeably with ’empanadas’, reflecting the diversity in regional naming conventions.

Colombian Arepas

While the world savors sandwiches, Columbia has its own beloved staple: the areca. Once you’ve tried one, we’re confident that you’ll be hooked and reach for it again. In fact, arepas are ubiquitous in Colombian grocery stores, making them easy to find and enjoy.

The origins of this tasty treat can be traced back to Venezuela, where Venezuelan settlers living in Colombia’s Misiones region first crafted the recipe.

Today, arepas remain a staple of Columbian cuisine, offering a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional sandwiches.

Colombian Mote De Queso (Cheese And Yam Soup)

Colombian cuisine boasts a treasure trove of delectable dishes, but one that stands out as a crowd favorite is mote de queso – a hearty soup made with the perfect blend of yams and cheese. Originally hailing from Colombia’s Atlantic coast, this comforting concoction has since spread its popularity throughout the nation, earning a special place in the hearts and stomachs of locals in cities like Sincelejo and Monteria.

The recipe typically calls for the humble yam as its base, combined with melted cheese that adds a rich and creamy texture. But what truly sets mote de queso apart is its accompaniments – crispy fried plantains and tostones (fried green plantain slices) provide a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the velvety soup.

Aborrajados Recipe

In Colombia, a popular snack during the scorching summer months is aborrajados, which are a staple in many households. These sweet treats are widely available across the country, with the Cauca Valley being a particularly notable region for their abundance – locals there affectionately refer to them as ‘plantain fritters’. Whether enjoyed on-the-go or shared with friends and family, aborrajados bring people together, making them an integral part of Colombian culture.

Colombian Buñuelos

In Colombian culture, Buñuelos are a staple during the Christmas season. Typically served with a warm cup of coffee and a glass of cold milk, these sweet treats have captured hearts and taste buds alike. The traditional recipe involves using bread dough as the base and filling it with melted cheese, resulting in a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.

Paisa Colombian Arepas

In the heart of Antioquia, Colombia, lies a culinary gem that’s loved by many – Arepa paisa. This staple dish is often savored at both breakfast and dinner, earning its reputation as the Colombian equivalent of crêpes. While various recipes may exist, all share a common denominator: a harmonious blend of flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, sugar, oil, salt, and water. For an added twist, some enthusiasts like to introduce rich flavors through cheese or chocolate chips.

A delightful treat that’s sure to please the palate.

Lechona Colombiana

Looking for a taste of authentic Colombia? Lechona, a traditional dish typically slow-cooked over an open flame, is the answer. While it’s often associated with outdoor gatherings, we’re taking the classic recipe to new heights by cooking our whole pig lechona indoors. The result is a rich and savory meal that’s sure to impress. Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey!

Pescado Frito

In the centuries-old history of Spanish and Portuguese settlement in Colombia, one culinary legacy remains particularly prominent – Pescado Frito. This beloved dish is a straightforward yet flavorful affair: tender fish fried to perfection, served alongside a satisfying medley of rice, beans, potatoes, and salad. Depending on the region, you may also encounter plantains joining this harmonious assembly.

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a beloved culinary staple in Colombian culture, characterized by its hearty combination of rice, beans, savory meats, and an assortment of vegetables. This iconic dish has become synonymous with special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, where it’s often the centerpiece of festive gatherings. As a testament to its significance, Bandeja Paisa is proudly regarded as Colombia’s national dish, born from the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Colombian Caldo De Costilla

This comforting soup is a true delight, crafted with tender beef ribs that are carefully cut into bite-sized pieces and then slow-cooked in a rich broth alongside aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, carrots, and juicy tomatoes. The flavorful medley also includes an array of spices, including oregano, bay leaves, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and paprika, all working together to create a hearty, warming bowl that’s sure to hit the spot.

Cazuela De Mariscos

While the exact origins of Cazuela de marisco remain unclear, culinary historians speculate that this seafood stew may have emerged in either Spain or along the coastlines of Colombia. Some theories propose that Spanish colonizers brought the recipe to their new territories, while others argue that it originated in South America. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its birthplace, one thing is certain: Cazuela de marisco has become a beloved dish around the world.

Pandebono

In the picturesque region of Valle del Cauca, there’s an absolute must-try culinary delight: pan de Bono. This unique bread is crafted using a harmonious blend of cassava starch, eggs, and melted cheese, resulting in an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more. If you ever find yourself in this charming region, do not miss the opportunity to indulge in this scrumptious treat.

A Colombian Breakfast

In the heart of Colombian culture lies Calentado, a beloved dish that embodies the spirit of resourcefulness and culinary creativity. This iconic national dish is a masterclass in repurposing leftover ingredients, breathing new life into yesterday’s bread, milk, coffee, and even last night’s dinner scraps.

Colombian Ajiaco

The widespread popularity of Ajiaco transcends borders, with this dish being a staple in many countries. In fact, it holds a special place in Colombian cuisine, where it’s affectionately referred to as ‘ajiaco.’ Despite its widespread acclaim, the origin of the name remains shrouded in mystery.

Sobrebarriga

The origins of this dish can be traced back to the Andean region of Colombia, where it was traditionally cooked over open fires by locals. Over time, its popularity spread to neighboring countries such as Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, each country adding their own twist to the recipe. Interestingly, the original version of the dish from the Andes is characterized by a vegetarian-only approach, which sets it apart from the more recent Colombian variations.

Final Thoughts

We’re thrilled to share with you one of our go-to recipes, Reina Pepiada, which has earned a permanent spot in our culinary repertoire. Its irresistible blend of flavors and textures always hits the spot when we’re craving something savory and satisfying.

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, do yourself a favor and whip up a batch – we think you’ll find it becomes a staple in your kitchen just like it has in ours!