Arepas Rellenas con Carne Desmechada (Stuffed Arepas with Shredded Beef)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Masa Harina (for arepas)
• 1.5 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 lbs Beef Brisket
• 1 large Onion
• 1 medium Bell Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Annatto Powder
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Instructions

1. 1Place the 2 lbs Beef Brisket in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Alternatively, place the 2 lbs Beef Brisket in a large heavy-bottomed pot with 4 cups of water and simmer on the stovetop for 2-3 hours, until very tender. Remove the beef from the liquid and let it cool slightly.
2. 2While the beef is cooling, finely chop the 1 large Onion, 1 medium Bell Pepper, and mince the 3 cloves Garlic. Dice the 2 medium Tomatoes. In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the chopped 1 large Onion and 1 medium Bell Pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
3. 3Add the minced 3 cloves Garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Stir in the diced 2 medium Tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Cumin, and 1 teaspoon Annatto Powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the tomatoes start to break down.
4. 4Using two forks, shred the cooled 2 lbs Beef Brisket into small pieces. Add the shredded beef to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is heated through and the flavors have melded.
5. 5In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups Masa Harina, 1.5 cups Water, and 1 teaspoon Salt. Mix with your hands until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a clean surface for 2-3 minutes. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
6. 6Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2-inch thick and 4 inches in diameter.
7. 7Heat a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Cook the flattened dough discs for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. You should hear a gentle sizzle as they cook.
8. 8Carefully slice each cooked arepa open horizontally, like a pocket, without cutting all the way through. Generously stuff each arepa with the shredded beef filling. Serve the Arepas Rellenas con Carne Desmechada hot.

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