Arepas with Avocado and Eggs are a delicious and nutritious meal, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are the top pitfalls to watch out for and how to avoid them:

Overcooking the Arepas
Mistake: Cooking the arepas at too high of a temperature, resulting in a tough, dry texture.
Solution: Cook the arepas over medium heat, ensuring they are golden brown and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.

Using Too Much Water in the Dough
Mistake: Adding too much water, making the dough sticky and difficult to shape.
Solution: Gradually add water until the dough is soft and pliable but not too wet.

Breaking the Egg Yolks
Mistake: Cracking the eggs too roughly or mishandling them, leading to broken yolks.
Solution: Gently crack and handle the eggs to keep the yolks intact for a perfect sunny side up finish.

Forgetting to Season the Avocado
Mistake: Skipping seasoning, which can make the avocado bland.
Solution: Add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor of the avocado, whether mashed or sliced.

Assembling Too Early
Mistake: Putting together the arepas before the eggs and avocado are ready, causing the arepas to lose their crispness.
Solution: Assemble the arepas just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.

Not Resting the Arepas
Mistake: Skipping a brief resting period after cooking, leading to arepas that aren’t as tender.
Solution: Let the arepas rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the texture to fully set.

Skipping Oil for the Eggs
Mistake: Not using enough oil when frying the eggs, causing sticking or uneven cooking.
Solution: Use enough olive oil to fry the eggs evenly and prevent them from sticking to the pan.

Using Unripe Avocado
Mistake: Using avocados that are too firm, making them difficult to mash or slice.
Solution: Choose ripe avocados that give slightly to gentle pressure for the best texture and flavor.

Uneven Dough Thickness
Mistake: Shaping the arepas unevenly, leading to inconsistent cooking.
Solution: Ensure the arepas are evenly shaped and about ½ inch thick for uniform cooking.

Neglecting Optional Garnishes
Mistake: Not adding garnishes like cilantro, cheese, or hot sauce, which can enhance the flavor.
Solution: Don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh cilantro, crumbled feta, or hot sauce for added flavor and presentation.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve perfectly cooked arepas with avocado and eggs every time, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful dish everyone will enjoy!