The Difference Between Pupusas And Arepas - Mashed (2024)

The Difference Between Pupusas And Arepas - Mashed (4)

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ByAshley Ortiz/

When it comes to Latin American cuisine, corn — or maizis a staple ingredient found in many dishes, whichThe Spruce Eatsexplains "has been cultivated in South America for more than 5,000 years."As the star ingredient in a wide array of foods among the varying countries and cultures that make up the region, corn (when combined with other ingredients) can be enjoyed stewed, steamed, or even slurped down as a refreshing beverage.

One popular way corn is used is ground and griddled until fluffy and then stuffed or topped with a variety of delectable ingredients. According toThrift and Spice, many countries have their own iteration of the griddled corn patty, such as pupusas in El Salvador and arepas in Colombia and Venezuela; but while pupusas and arepas share a commonality of corn as their base ingredient, the type of corn that is used as well as the way each dish is prepared and served varies significantly — each one bringing a unique flavor profile and texture that cannot, and should not, be confused.

Similar ingredients, different results

The Difference Between Pupusas And Arepas - Mashed (5)

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Arepas are corn patties, griddled or fried, that are incredibly popular in Colombia and Venezuela. According to Vanderbilt University, it is believed that the arepas were first invented by the Timoto-Cuica people (who the university explains are "an indigenous group inhabiting the Andes Mountains in a region now recognized as western Venezuela") hundreds of years ago. The term "arepa" is said to come from "erepa," an indigenous word for corn (via Amaize Latin Flavors). Unlike Salvadorian pupusas, Thrift and Spice says arepas are made using precooked cornmeal known as masarepa, and are cooked first, then sliced open and stuffed or topped with an array of ingredients ranging from cheese, to beans, to eggs.

Pupusas, which Vanderbilt University names the national food of El Salvador, are corn patties believed to have been created by the Pipil tribe: an indigenous group that lived in the region now known as El Salvador over 2000 years ago. Unlike arepas precooked cornmeal, pupusas are made from instant corn masa flour (via Thrift and Spice). It is important to note that you can't use masarepa to make pupusas, just as you can't use instant corn masa flour to make arepas — substituting one for the other will not give you the desired results. The steps taken to prepare pupusas also differentiates them from arepas, as pupusas are stuffed with their fillingsbefore they are cooked. Once cooked, pupusas are often served and enjoyed with curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw. Now that you know the difference you'll never confuse the two again!

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The Difference Between Pupusas And Arepas - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between pupusa and arepas? ›

Pupusas are larger and flatter than arepas and are made with masa harina rather than masarepa. Masa harina is a type of cornmeal made from corn that has been treated with lye or other alkaline solution to remove the hull and germ.

What's the difference between arepas and sopes? ›

And what's the difference, really? They are both essentially corn cakes (or thick tortillas), topped or sandwiched with the same things you might put in a tortilla, although the sopes are shaped like little cups.

What is special about arepas? ›

Arepas are eaten at all times of the day, often as a snack or side dish to a main meal. Arepas are unleavened (they contain no yeast, baking soda, or baking powder) and are commonly made with precooked cornmeal for that signature golden color and corn taste. You can find precooked cornmeal (such as P.A.N.

What's the difference between arepas? ›

These corn griddle cakes are common in both countries — but in very differing styles. Venezuelan arepas are usually savory and stuffed with meat, cheese, and beans. Colombian arepas can be sweet, and are usually topped only with butter and quesito colombiano.

What's the difference between a pupusa and gordita? ›

She remarked in Spanish that while pupusas start with a masa base, they are still distinct from similar Latin American favorites, like the Mexican gordita. "They are very different from gorditas because pupusas are closed and they don't have cream inside, and the Mexican gorditas are open," Gonzalez said.

What is the English name for arepas? ›

History. It is thought that the word arepa came from the extinct Cumanagoto word erepa, meaning cornbread.

What is the Mexican version of a pupusa? ›

A similar Mexican dish is called a gordita (literally, "little fatty"), but gorditas are usually open at one end.

What is similar to a pupusa? ›

Similar to Arepas and Gorditas, (but uniquely different) Pupusas are thick, handcrafted corn tortillas filled with delicious fillings, in this case bean paste and cheese, and served with curtido, a tangy fermented cabbage slaw.

What is the difference between arepa and Cachapa? ›

Arepas are round, flat cornmeal patties that are often split open and filled with a variety of ingredients like shredded beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables. They can be grilled, baked, or fried. On the other hand, cachapas are thick, pancake-like creations made from fresh corn dough.

Are there different kinds of arepas? ›

The arepa is an iconic food in Colombia, with some 75 distinct preparation forms.

What does sopes mean in Mexican? ›

A sope (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈso. pe]) is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a fried masa base with savory toppings. Also known as picadita (in Tierra Caliente, Guerrero), it originates in the central and southern parts of Mexico, where it was sometimes first known as pellizcadas.

Do you eat arepas with your hands? ›

enjoy it! 𝙔𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙮😋

What are three facts about arepas? ›

The arepa is a flat, round, unleavened patty of soaked, ground kernels of maize, or—more frequently nowadays—maize meal or maize flour that can be grilled, baked, fried, boiled or steamed. The characteristics vary by color, flavor, size, and the food with which it may be stuffed, depending on the region.

Are arepas healthy? ›

"Arepas have plenty of fiber that helps with keeping cholesterol levels down," Puche said. "But portion matters even if the food is healthy." To clients she counsels online, she recommends enjoying a reina pepiada, an arepa with lean chicken breast, avocado, tomato, cilantro and onion.

What is the English equivalent of arepa? ›

Meaning of arepa in English

a type of South American flat bread made with cornmeal (= rough, yellow flour made from corn) and fried on both sides: We usually ate arepas for breakfast.

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