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Latin American Obleas Recipe

Latin American Obleas Recipe

Obleas are round wafers that are light brown in color that are popular throughout Latin America, and Colombia in particular where they are said to have originated. They are usually spread with Colombian caramel called arequipe and topped with cheese, jams, sprinkles or fruits.

Obleas are also very popular among Latin American countries such as Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Venezuela, as well as Spain.

Origin & Cultural Significance

Colombia is famous for many things, such as coffee, cigars, dance, or even their food. One of the most renowned Colombian dishes that they are proud of is their Obleas.

Like any other dishes, obleas also have a variety of adaptations. A well-known example of it is the communion wafer, wafer crackers and even rolled-up ice cream cones.

As well as being a fixture of many kitchen pantries, obleas are also sold as street foods. Vendors sell them with a Colombian caramel called arequipe and other varieties of toppings.

Even well-known personalities have been seen gorging on these simple Colombian snacks, including Mick Jagger was caught enjoying one while he was on a tour in 2016.

Obleas can be linked to the 15th-century European waffles, made from the same ingredients but with added sugar and eggs. Obleas are also traced back at the time of Ancient Greece, where flat cakes are produced from heated iron plates.

However, in Colombia, obleas have been round and flat for over three hundred years already. Originally, it was sold in the streets of Bogota as street food.

Later on, widespread production of obleas began on the late 40s. Eventually, obleas became known as “Oubilee”on the streets of France where also became a popular street food.

What Do Obleas Consist Of?

Obleas are usually served with two round wafers that are thin. It has a sweet Colombian caramel filling called arequipe, which makes the sandwich sweet and crunchy.

Other fillings can also be placed in obleas like grated and shredded cheese. Others would prefer blackberry sauce, condensed milk, and even more cheese.

Making obleas is a fairly easy. It only includes is a combination of wheat flour and water, and you’re ready to cook.

A special oblea machine is often used to make it. They look the same as the ones used for making European waffles, but industrial versions are also available.

Once the obleas are cooled down, the caramel would be added as a filling topped with another oblea to make a sandwich. Others also serve it with extra toppings, such as fresh fruits, shredded coconut and crema de leche.

obleas

Colombian Obleas Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Wheat flour or all-purpose flour - 1/2 lb (225g)
  • Water - ¼ cup (60ml)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Milk - 4L
  • Sugar - 2lbs

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt and water until smooth and liquid in texture.
  2. Heat the oblea machine and place 1 tbsp of oblea on the middle of the plate. Then, close the machine.
  3. Let the oblea toast until brown and crispy. Repeat the procedure as required. 
  4. For the caramel sauce or arequipe, place the milk and sugar into a large pan and bring it to boil over low heat.
  5. Stir the mixture constantly for 3 to 5 hours until the caramel turns light brown.
  6. Spread a generous amount of arequipe over the oblea and top with another one. Serve it with a napkin.

Photo credit: Edgar Zuniga Jr.

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