Authentic Salvadoran Pupusas

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) masa harina 2 cups (240g) masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) grated cheese (such as queso fresco or mozzarella) 1 cup (120g) grated cheese (such as queso fresco or mozzarella)
• 1 cup (200g) refried beans 1 cup (200g) refried beans
• 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned ground meat (such as beef or pork) 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned ground meat (such as beef or pork)
• Vegetable oil, for cooking Vegetable oil, for cooking
• Curtido (cabbage slaw), for serving Curtido (cabbage slaw), for serving
• Tomato salsa, for serving Tomato salsa, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions and flatten each ball with your hands to form a disc.
3. 3.
   Place a spoonful of your desired filling (cheese, beans, or meat) in the center of each disc.
4. 4.
   Fold the edges of the disc over the filling, sealing it completely. Gently flatten the pupusa to about 1/2 inch thickness.
5. 5.
   Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
6. 6.
   Cook the pupusas for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Serve the pupusas hot with curtido and tomato salsa on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Masa harina — Make sure to use masa harina specifically made for pupusas or tortillas, as it has the right consistency and texture for this recipe.
• Curtido — For a tangier flavor, let the curtido marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
• Tomato salsa — Adjust the spiciness of the salsa by adding more or less chili peppers according to your preference.
• Cheese — Experiment with different types of cheese like queso fresco, mozzarella, or cheddar to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Refried beans — If using canned refried beans, heat them up before using as a filling for the pupusas.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the pupusas from sticking to your hands, lightly wet your hands with water before shaping the dough.
• If the dough feels dry, add a little more warm water. If it feels too wet, add a little more masa harina.
• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the pupusas instead of cooking them on a griddle.
• Customize the fillings by adding cooked vegetables, such as sautéed bell peppers or onions, to the cheese, beans, or meat.
• Leftover pupusas can be reheated in a toaster oven or skillet for a quick and tasty snack.

Serving advice

Serve the pupusas hot off the griddle to enjoy their crispy exterior and gooey fillings at their best. Accompany them with a generous portion of curtido and tomato salsa for a burst of flavors. Pupusas are often enjoyed as a main course, but they can also be served as appetizers or party snacks.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pupusas on a platter, showcasing their golden brown color and the variety of fillings. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green. Serve the curtido and tomato salsa in separate bowls alongside the pupusas to allow guests to customize their toppings.