Pupusas

MEXICAN · MAIN COURSE · SERVES 12

Pupusas are a beloved Salvadoran dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of El Salvador. These thick corn tortillas are lovingly filled with a variety of ingredients such as gooey cheese, hearty beans, and savory seasoned meat. The combination of textures and flavors makes pupusas not just a meal but a comforting experience. Traditionally enjoyed with curtido, a tangy pickled cabbage slaw, and a zesty salsa, pupusas are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to street food delights.

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Ingredients

Original recipe serves 12

Masa harina
2 cups
Warm water
1 to 1 1/2 cups
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Cooked and seasoned ground beef
1 cup
Shredded cheese
1 cup (such as mozzarella or quesillo)
Refried beans
1 cup

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more water if necessary.
  2. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
  3. Using your hands, flatten each ball into a disc, about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Place a spoonful of refried beans, shredded cheese, or seasoned ground beef in the center of each disc.
  5. Fold the edges of the disc over the filling, sealing it completely. Gently flatten the pupusa again.
  6. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
  7. Cook the pupusas for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Serve hot with curtido and salsa.

Tips

  • 💡 Feel free to experiment with different fillings – try adding sautéed vegetables or different types of cheese.
  • 💡 If you want a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the filling or serve with a spicy salsa.
  • 💡 Pupusas can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Dietary Information

Servings: 12 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Calories: 220 Fat: 8g Carbs: 30g Protein: 7g Sodium: 300mg Sugar: 1g

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Teresa's Recipes

Pupusas

Pupusas are a beloved Salvadoran dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of El Salvador. These thick corn tortillas are lovingly filled with a variety of ingredients such as gooey cheese, hearty beans, and savory seasoned meat. The combination of textures and flavors makes pupusas not just a meal but a comforting experience. Traditionally enjoyed with curtido, a tangy pickled cabbage slaw, and a zesty salsa, pupusas are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to street food delights.

Serves 12 Prep 30 minutes Cook 20 minutes Level medium Cuisine mexican Main Course

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Masa harina
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups Warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 tablespoon (for cooking) Vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Cooked and seasoned ground beef
  • 1 cup (such as mozzarella or quesillo) Shredded cheese
  • 1 cup Refried beans

Dietary Notes

  • Servings: 12
  • Dish Type: Main Course
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Sugar: 1g

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more water if necessary.
  2. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
  3. Using your hands, flatten each ball into a disc, about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Place a spoonful of refried beans, shredded cheese, or seasoned ground beef in the center of each disc.
  5. Fold the edges of the disc over the filling, sealing it completely. Gently flatten the pupusa again.
  6. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
  7. Cook the pupusas for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Serve hot with curtido and salsa.

Tips

  • Feel free to experiment with different fillings – try adding sautéed vegetables or different types of cheese.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the filling or serve with a spicy salsa.
  • Pupusas can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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