Step 1

Combine flour, sugar, and garlic powder (optional).

Step 2

Add the butter and knead with your hands until forming grainy dough.

Step 3

Dissolve salt in water. Add the saltwater to the dough and mix until you get a consistency that is somewhat sticky but still comes off your fingers.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a glass bowl or dish, cover with saran wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 5

After 30 minutes, divide the dough into 8 small balls of equal size. Take one ball and roll it out on a clean, dry surface with a rolling pin until you get an arepa that's about 5 inches in diameter. Do the same with the remaining dough balls.

Step 6

Heat the oil in a skillet, take one arepa, and carefully drop it in the oil. Fry for 45-50 seconds until the edges become golden. Turn it over carefully and fry for another 30-40 seconds. Repeat until you are done with all 8 arepas.

Step 7

Serve them with beef, fish, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup.