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Salvadoran Pupusas Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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