Healthy Oatmeal Arepa with Light “Queen Pepiada” recipe
This healthy oatmeal arepa recipe is perfect for a nourishing and satisfying breakfast. Filled with a light queen pepiada — a classic Venezuelan chicken and avocado mix — it brings a fresh twist to a traditional dish while keeping it easy and nutritious.
📋 Description of the recipe for a healthy oatmeal arepa and the delicious Reina Pepiada filling
👑 The Story of the Reina Pepiada
They say that in 1950s Caracas, when arepa bakeries were just beginning to fill the streets with their aroma, a humble family-run establishment created a unique combination: shredded chicken, creamy avocado, a touch of mayonnaise, and lots of love, all inside a warm, golden arepa.
The owner of the establishment was inspired by the beauty of Susana Duijm, the Venezuelan who had just won the Miss World 1955 title, becoming the first Latin American to achieve this. To celebrate, they named their new creation with a name as sonorous and graceful as it was affectionate: the Reina Pepiada.
In the Caracas slang of the time, “pepiada” was a colloquial way of saying someone was attractive, flirtatious, graceful, and savory. So the “reina pepiada” not only honored the beauty queen, but also all Venezuelan women: strong, beautiful, and full of flavor like that arepa.
Since then, the “reina pepiada” has traveled the world, becoming an icon of Venezuelan gastronomy and a reminder that food can also tell stories of pride, identity, and joy.
The healthy oatmeal arepa recipe is inspired by Reina Pepiada. A healthy take on the classic Venezuelan arepa, made with oats instead of cornmeal and filled with a light Reina Pepiada based on Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to start your day with energy.
⏱️ Preparation time
- 15 minutes
🍽️ Portions
- 2 arepas (2 servings)
📝 Ingredients of healthy oatmeal arepa recipe with Reina Pepiada
For the Arepas:
- ½ cup precooked cornmeal.
- ½ cup rolled or ground oats.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- 1 cup warm water (approximately).
For the Queen Pepiada:
- 1 cooked and shredded chicken breast.
- ½ ripe avocado.
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened).
- 1 sprig of chopped cilantro (optional).
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- Pepper to taste.
- Juice of ½ lemon.
👩🍳 Preparation of healthy oatmeal arepa recipe with Reina Pepiada
For the Arepas:
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, oats, and salt.
2️⃣ Add the water little by little and mix until you have a soft, manageable dough that doesn’t stick to your hands.
3️⃣ Divide the dough into 2 portions and form into discs approximately 1 cm thick.
4️⃣ Cook in a nonstick frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
For the Queen Pepiada:
1️⃣ In another bowl, mash the avocado and mix it with the Greek yogurt and lemon juice.
2️⃣ Add the shredded chicken and mix well.
3️⃣ Add salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro to taste.
Mounting:
1️⃣ Carefully split the arepas in half.
2️⃣ Fill them with the Reina Pepiada and serve hot.
🌟 Tip
If you want more fiber and texture, you can leave the oats unmilled. You can also add a few slices of fresh tomato for a more balanced flavor.
