Salvadoran Pupusas Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Servings
8 pupusas
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Calories
150 kcal
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
Salvadoran
Salvadoran Pupusas Recipe
Description
Salvadoran Pupusas consist of a soft masa harina dough combined with warm water and salt, kneaded until smooth and pliable. Portions of dough are filled with cheese, beans, or ground meat mixtures, sealed, and shaped into thick tortillas. Cooking them in hot vegetable oil creates a crisp exterior with a tender, filled center.
The cheese filling, often quesillo or mozzarella, melts inside, balancing the masa’s mild corn flavor. The pupusas pair traditionally with curtido, a pickled cabbage slaw, which adds acidity and crunch to complement the warm, rich tortillas.
These pupusas are commonly served as part of Salvadoran meals or as street food in Central America. Variations in fillings allow customization based on preference.
Ensure the dough consistency is right by adjusting water and masa harina amounts. Cook on medium-high heat for even browning, flipping carefully to keep fillings enclosed. Serving promptly preserves texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina corn flour
- 1 1/2 cups water warm
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cheese such as quesillo/oaxaca, mozzarella, or white cheddar - for stuffing, shredded
- vegetable oil for cooking
- pickled cabbage slaw Curtido, for serving
- refried beans cooked and seasoned, optional fillings
- ground pork
- ground beef
- ground chicken
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Stir in warm water to form a dough. Knead the dough several minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water; if it's too sticky, add a bit more masa harina.
- Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Flatten each dough ball to form a 1/4 inch thick patty. Place 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese (or beans, meat, or combo) in the center of the masa patty.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, then seal to form a ball again. Flatten each stuffed dough balls to form thick tortillas.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan to medium-high heat. Cook the pupusas 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown. Use a spatula to help them cook evenly.
- Serve warm with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw).
Notes
- Serve pupusas warm with curtido to provide contrasting tangy crunch.
- Cheese options include quesillo, mozzarella, or white cheddar for melting texture.
- Optional fillings like seasoned ground pork, beef, or chicken can be used alone or in combination.
- Adding salsa or hot sauce enhances flavor according to taste.
- Nutritional info provided applies to cheese-only versions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8pupusas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 150 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 150kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 382mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 86mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 156IU | 3% |
| Calcium | 111mg | 11% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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