Add the coriander and serve. Serve hot with soups or as a substitute for bread. The arepas can also be cut in half and stuffed with tomato slices. Set aside for 10 minutes. On a non-stick skillet cook them until both sides become darker.
Tamales are best when cooked in banana leaves.
This fall we were lucky to have 20 large leaves from the banana tree in our backyard. For three years now we've dug it out in the late fall for a winter slumber in our basement and then replanted it in the yard in the spring. Some ethnic food stores sell fresh or frozen leaves already cut and ready to use. If you do not have your own banana tree or an ethnic food store nearby, foil paper can be substituted for the leaves. Twine Mix the corn flour and salt, slowly add water while mixing until a smooth dough that is just slightly sticky is obtained.