A taste of Venezuela: Three simple dishes to try at home

Venezuela is a country that boasts a rich food culture. While it is front and centre of our news feeds this week because of the political turmoil, we thought we would explore what it offers as a food destination. Venezuelan cooking is hearty, comforting and built around simple ingredients – corn, beans, cheese, rice and slow-cooked meats – designed to feed families well.

The good news? You don’t need specialist equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to enjoy it. These three classic Venezuelan dishes are straightforward, adaptable and perfect for curious home cooks wanting to try something new without the fuss.

Arepas (Venezuelan Corn Cakes)
Crisp on the outside, soft in the middle — perfect for filling

Ingredients
2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (masarepa)
2½ cups warm water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil or butter

Method
Mix cornmeal, salt and water to form a soft dough. Rest for 5 minutes. Shape into thick patties. Cook in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes each side until golden. Split and fill with cheese, avocado, eggs or leftover meats.

Pabellón-Style Shredded Beef (Simplified)
Venezuela’s most famous comfort dish

Ingredients
500g beef chuck or blade
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Method
Simmer beef in salted water for 1½–2 hours until tender. Shred. Sauté onion and garlic in oil, add spices and beef, and cook until slightly crisp. Serve with rice, beans and fried plantain or banana.

Black Beans (Caraotas Negras)
A simple, flavourful side dish

Ingredients
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Olive oil
Salt to taste

Method
Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft. Add cumin and beans with a splash of water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Mash lightly for a creamier texture if desired.