Pre-heat frying pan with oil (omit if non-stick) on a medium-high heat
Pre-heat oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional)
Place the corn meal, salt and wateter into a mixing bowl
Mix the ingredients together thoroughly until a grainy but thick texture forms, with the arepa flour adsorbing all of the water
Leave to rest for 5 minutes before use
Whilst the dough rests, set out kitchen towels on a plate and set aside for later
Divide the arepa dough into 4 equal sections
Take one section at a time and form a 1/2-inch thick round patties using the palms of your hands (the dough should be soft but not sticky)
Place the patties onto the frying pan and cook for about 5 minutes to seal
Use a spatula to flip the arepas and cook for ~5 minutes on the other side
Place the sealed arepas onto the plate covered in kitchen towels to soak up the excess oil
Transfer the arepas onto a baking tray lined with grease proof paper and bake for 15-18 minutes (the arepas should puff up slightly)
Once baked, leave on the tray to cool for about 10 minutes
Slice the the arepa open, about 3/4 of the way through, starting on the thin side
Fill with your favourite things and enjoy!
