Salvadoran Pupusas Recipe

Introduction

Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish featuring thick corn tortillas stuffed with delicious fillings like cheese, beans, or meat. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as quesillo/oaxaca, mozzarella, or white cheddar – for stuffing)
• Vegetable oil (for cooking)
• For serving: Curtido (pickled cabbage slaw)
• Optional fillings: Refried beans, cooked and seasoned ground meat (pork, beef, or chicken)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually stir in the warm water to form a dough. Knead it for several minutes until smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, add a small amount of water; if too sticky, add a little more masa harina.
2. Step 2: Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while you work.
3. Step 3: Flatten each dough ball into a 1/4 inch thick patty. Place 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen stuffing—cheese, beans, meat, or a combination—in the center.
4. Step 4: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to enclose it, sealing it to form a ball again. Gently flatten each stuffed ball into a thick tortilla shape.
5. Step 5: Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Use a spatula to carefully flip them for even cooking.
6. Step 6: Serve them warm alongside curtido, the pickled cabbage slaw, for a traditional and flavorful experience.

Tips & Variations

• Use a combination of cheeses for a richer, creamier filling.
• Try adding cooked and seasoned ground meat or refried beans for variety.
• Press the dough gently when stuffing to avoid tearing and filling leakage.
• If you don’t have curtido, a simple cabbage slaw with vinegar, carrots, and oregano makes a great substitute.

Storage

Store leftover pupusas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispness, or warm them briefly in a microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pupusas without cheese?

Yes, pupusas can be stuffed with other fillings like refried beans, cooked seasoned meat, or even veggies. Cheese adds creaminess but is not essential.

What is curtido and can I skip it?

Curtido is a tangy pickled cabbage slaw that balances the richness of pupusas. While traditional, you can serve pupusas with any fresh or pickled slaw or simply enjoy them plain.

Salvadoran Pupusas Recipe

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4.6 from 335 reviews

Salvadoran Pupusas are delicious stuffed corn tortillas filled with melted cheese, refried beans, or seasoned meat. This traditional dish is pan-cooked until golden and crispy on the outside while tender and flavorful inside. Serve them warm with curtido, a tangy pickled cabbage slaw, for an authentic Salvadoran experience.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 pupusas 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Salvadoran
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup shredded cheese (quesillo/oaxaca, mozzarella, or white cheddar)
• Optional: Refried beans
• Optional: Cooked and seasoned ground meat (pork, beef, or chicken)

For Cooking

• Vegetable oil (for cooking)

For Serving

• Curtido (Pickled cabbage slaw)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Stir in warm water gradually to form a dough. Knead the dough for several minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. Adjust the dough by adding more water if too dry or more masa harina if sticky.
2. Divide dough into portions: Separate the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Cover them with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out.
3. Form patties: Flatten each dough ball into a 1/4 inch thick patty, preparing them for stuffing.
4. Add filling: Place 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese or your choice of refried beans, cooked meat, or a combination into the center of each masa patty.
5. Seal the filling: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it to form a ball again. Then gently flatten each stuffed ball into thick tortillas.
6. Cook the pupusas: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them evenly.
7. Serve: Enjoy pupusas warm, accompanied by curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) for a traditional Salvadoran touch.

Notes

• If masa harina dough feels dry, add water slowly to achieve pliability.
• Customize fillings with beans, meat, or cheese to suit your preference.
• Cook pupusas at medium-high heat to get a crispy exterior without burning.
• Cover dough balls while preparing to prevent drying out.
• If desired, serve with salsa roja or tomato sauce for extra flavor.

Keywords: Salvadoran pupusas, pupusas recipe, stuffed tortillas, masa harina recipe, traditional Salvadoran food