Pupusas are one of Central America’s most iconic dishes. Making them at home is a wonderful way to bring family together and enjoy a recipe rich in tradition and authentic flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups nixtamalized corn flour (masa harina)
- 1½ cups water (approximately)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (or a blend of Salvadoran quesillo and mozzarella)
- ½ cup refried beans (optional)
- Vegetable oil, just enough for cooking
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the corn flour and salt. Gradually add the water, mixing until you have a soft, moist dough that is easy to shape.
- Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball, make an indentation in the center, and fill it with cheese, refried beans, or your preferred filling.
- Carefully seal the dough around the filling and gently flatten it with your hands into a disc about ½ inch (1 cm) thick.
- Cook the pupusas on a hot griddle or skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Serve hot with curtido (Salvadoran cabbage slaw) and tomato sauce.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Makes 6 pupusas (approximately 3 servings).
Tip
Try different fillings such as seasoned ground pork (chicharrón), loroco (an edible flower bud), squash, or a combination of ingredients to create delicious variations while preserving the authentic flavor of this traditional recipe.