Introduction & History
When it comes to beloved afternoon snacks, Americans have their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, while Colombians enjoy obleas. These delightful treats consist of two large, round wafers, typically about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter and only 1 mm thick. Oblea, which are typically filled with arequipe (caramel sauce), provide a crunchy and sweet treat. Other popular fillings include blackberry sauce (mora), condensed milk, and shredded cheese.
The dough for obleas can be made simply with wheat flour and water, although variations may include sugar, eggs, milk, and butter for added richness. They are typically cooked in a specialized machine resembling a waffle maker, although industrial versions are widely available. Once cooled, a filling is spread on one oblea, which is then topped with another to create a delicious sandwich. Street vendors commonly sell obleas in major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Barranquilla, where you can find an array of fillings, including fresh fruit, shredded coconut, chocolate sprinkles, and crema de leche (table cream).
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pinch salt
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the water while stirring until you achieve a smooth, liquid batter similar to pancake mix.
- Preheat your oblea machine (which resembles a flat waffle maker). Pour one tablespoon of the batter into the center of the hot plate and press down with the top plate to flatten it.
- Allow the oblea to cook for a short time until it’s slightly toasted, then carefully remove it from the plate.
- Repeat this process for the remaining batter until all circles are cooked.
- Remember, you will need two circles to make one complete oblea.
Cooking Tips for Making Obleas
Dough Preparation
The traditional dough for obleas consists solely of wheat flour and water. For those who prefer a richer flavor, you can enhance the dough by substituting water with milk and adding sugar, eggs, and a source of fat such as oil or butter. Gradually incorporate the liquid until the mixture resembles a batter that’s slightly thinner than pancake batter. To ensure a smooth consistency, mix thoroughly with a metal whisk or an electric mixer to avoid any lumps.
Cooking Method
Obleas are typically cooked in a specialized oblea machine, which functions similarly to a waffle maker. This device usually features two flat or patterned metal plates, each measuring 15 to 20 cm in diameter. Preheat the plates to approximately 170°C (340°F) before spreading a spoonful of dough onto them. Because the dough is quite thin, it requires only a brief cooking time to achieve a light golden color and crisp texture. To prevent sticking, lightly grease the plates with oil and ensure they are adequately heated.
If you plan to make oblea sandwiches, prepare an even number of obleas. While you can also use a flat griddle to cook them, flipping the delicate obleas can be challenging and may result in breakage. For convenience, pre-made obleas are available in most Colombian supermarkets, allowing you to skip the preparation step entirely.
Making Arequipe
Arequipe, also known as dulce de leche in many Latin American countries, is a sweet caramel-like spread integral to obleas. In Colombia, it’s simply referred to as arequipe. To make it, combine sugar and milk and cook the mixture over low heat for 3 to 5 hours, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. It’s best to use a wooden or plastic spoon, as metal spoons can cause the milk to crystallize. Once the arequipe reaches a thick, caramel brown consistency, let it cool completely before spreading it on your obleas. If you prepare your own arequipe, store it in an airtight glass container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to one week. Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made arequipe from supermarkets throughout Colombia to save time.
Exploring Other Fillings
In addition to arequipe, obleas can be filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. Popular options include mora (blackberry jam), fresh fruit, shredded coconut, condensed milk, chocolate sprinkles, and shredded cheese. In Colombia, queso costeño—a soft, salty cheese—adds an unexpected flavor contrast to the sweetness of arequipe and the tartness of mora.
Conclusion
Making obleas at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With these cooking tips, you can prepare delicious wafers and experiment with a range of fillings to create your perfect snack. Whether you opt for traditional arequipe or explore creative combinations, obleas are sure to delight!
FAQs About Obleas
1. What are obleas?
Obleas are traditional Colombian snacks made of two thin, round wafers, typically filled with arequipe (caramel sauce) and other sweet or savory fillings.
2. What ingredients are used to make obleas?
The basic ingredients for obleas include wheat flour and water. For a richer dough, you can add milk, sugar, eggs, and fat (such as oil or butter).
3. How are obleas cooked?
Obleas are usually cooked in a specialized oblea machine, similar to a waffle maker. The dough is spread on heated metal plates and cooked briefly until lightly browned and crispy.
4. What are some popular fillings for obleas?
In addition to arequipe, common fillings include blackberry jam (mora), fresh fruit, shredded coconut, condensed milk, chocolate sprinkles, and shredded cheese.
5. How do you make arequipe?
Arequipe is made by cooking sugar and milk over low heat for 3 to 5 hours until thick and caramelized. It should be stirred constantly to prevent sticking.
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