Authentic Salvadoran Pupusas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1.5 cups of warm water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of grated cheese (quesillo, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
  • 1 cup of refried beans
  • 1 cup of cooked, shredded pork
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Add the warm water gradually, mixing with your hands to make a smooth, moist dough with a playdough-like consistency.
  2. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts, then roll each into a ball and press a well in the centre with your thumb.
  3. Fill the well in each ball with 1 tablespoon of cheese, 1 tablespoon of beans, and 1 tablespoon of pork. Seal the dough around the filling and shape it back into a ball.
  4. Flatten each ball between your palms, pressing gently to form a disc of about 1/4-inch thick. If the edges crack, blend them back together.
  5. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the pupusas in a single layer, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.
  6. Transfer the cooked pupusas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
  7. Serve the pupusas warm, with a side of curtido and salsa roja.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the masa harina and water to make the dough.
  • Frying Pan - A large frying pan to cook the pupusas.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the ingredients, such as water, cheese, and beans.
  • Grater - To grate the cheese.
  • Spatula - To flip and remove the pupusas from the frying pan.
  • Paper Towels - To drain excess oil from the cooked pupusas.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of cheese such as cheddar, feta, or queso fresco.
  • Experiment with alternative fillings like sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, or shrimp.
  • Add herbs or spices to the dough for additional flavor, such as cilantro, garlic powder, or cumin.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using masa harina labeled as gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Try using different types of flour like whole wheat flour or cornmeal for a variation in texture.
  • Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat fillings and using a combination of cheese, refried beans, and vegetables.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, and use vegetable oil instead of animal-based fats.
  • Create sweet pupusas by adding a sweet filling like diced fruit, chocolate chips, or sweetened cream cheese.

Recipe overview

Get ready to take your taste buds on a trip with this traditional Salvadoran dish, Pupusa. This recipe features a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with fluffy corn dough encasing a flavorful filling of cheese, refried beans, and shredded pork. The process of making pupusas is simple and enjoyable, making it a great activity for the whole family. Expect to get your hands a bit messy while shaping and filling the dough, but don't worry, it's all part of the fun! Once cooked, these stuffed corn patties turn lightly golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and cheesy on the inside. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, pupusas are typically served warm with a side of curtido (a type of pickled slaw) and salsa roja.

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular flour instead of masa harina? No, masa harina is a special type of corn flour specifically made for making pupusas. Regular flour will not give you the same texture and flavor.
  2. What type of cheese is best for pupusas? Traditionally, pupusas are made with quesillo, a Salvadoran cheese. However, you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of these cheeses.
  3. Can I make pupusas without fillings? Yes, you can make plain pupusas without any fillings. Simply skip the step of adding cheese, beans, and pork to the dough.
  4. What is curtido? Curtido is a traditional Salvadoran slaw made from thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, onions, and vinegar. It is often served as a topping for pupusas.
  5. Can I freeze pupusas? Yes, you can freeze pupusas for later use. After cooking, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator and then warm them in a frying pan or oven.
  6. Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! While cheese, beans, and pork are traditional fillings, you can get creative and use other ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian fillings like spinach and cheese.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the masa harina and other ingredients.
  • Frying Pan - A large frying pan to cook the pupusas.
  • Spatula - A spatula or turner to flip the pupusas while cooking.
  • Paper Towels - To drain excess oil from the cooked pupusas.
  • Plate - A plate to serve the pupusas.

Origin stories

Pupusas hail from El Salvador and are a source of national pride. They have even been declared the national dish! Rooted in a tradition that goes back to the native Pipil tribes, these savory stuffed corn cakes have been feeding the region for over 2,000 years. Interesting to note, El Salvador even celebrates a National Pupusa Day every second Sunday of November. The day is filled with festivals featuring variations of pupusas, music, and celebrations. It's a testament to the love Salvadorans have for this comforting and versatile dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.