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pupusa recipe

Pupusas Recipe

Pinklady
Pupusas are a traditional dish from El Salvador, dating back centuries to the Pipil tribes of Mesoamerica. Originally cooked on hot stones, pupusas were filled with local ingredients like squash blossoms and wild greens.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Blender (for salsa roja)
  • Spatula
  • Airtight container (for curtido)

Ingredients
  

For the Pupusas:

  • 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or queso fresco work well)
  • 1 cup refried beans (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked pork, shredded or ground (optional)

For the Curtido (Cabbage Slaw):

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup hot water
  • ½ cup vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Salsa Roja:

  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ medium onion
  • 1 jalapeño (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Curtido (Cabbage Slaw)
    In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced onion.Pour hot water over the vegetables and let it sit for 5 minutes. Drain well.Add vinegar, oregano, and salt. Toss until evenly coated.Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
  • Make the Salsa Roja
    Blend tomatoes, garlic, onion, jalapeño (if using), and water until smooth.Pour the mixture into a small pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.Season with salt to taste. Let it cool before serving.
  • Prepare the Pupusa Dough
    In a large bowl, mix masa harina, warm water, and salt until a smooth dough forms.Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it feels soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little more water; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more masa harina.Divide the dough into 8 equal balls.
  • Assemble the Pupusas
    Take a dough ball and flatten it into a disc (about 4 inches wide).Place 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling (cheese, beans, or pork) in the center.Gently fold the edges of the disc around the filling and reshape it into a ball. Flatten the ball back into a thick disc, ensuring no filling spills out. Repeat for all dough balls.
  • Cook the Pupusas
    Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat.Place the pupusas on the hot surface and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly charred.Remove and keep warm while cooking the remaining pupusas.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    Serve the pupusas warm with curtido and salsa roja on the side. Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Keyword Pupusas Recipe