This tasty Venezuelan recipe from Willie Harcourt-Cooze makes a real hearty lunch served with homemade arepas. And being Willie he’s added a little cacao twist.

Serves 6

Ingredients

For the black beans

4 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, diced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 red peppers, de-seeded and finely chopped
300g black beans
Chicken stock (about 300ml)
2-3 tbsp cacao

 

For the arepas

600ml warm water
½ tsp salt
450g Masa Harina (corn) flour

Method: How to make black beans and arepas

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the onions, garlic and peppers and fry until soft.

2. Tip in the black beans and pour over enough chicken stock to cover. Simmer for 45 minutes.

3. Meanwhile prepare the arepas. Preheat a griddle pan. Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a stiff dough. Leave to stand for 5 minutes.

4. Knead the dough for a couple of minutes then form into small balls. Flatten with the palm of your hand.

5. Place the arepas in the hot pan and fry 3-4 minutes, either side.

6. Before serving the black beans, stir in the cacao. Season and serve with the arepas.