Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish made of thick corn tortillas stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, beans, or meat. They are typically served with curtido (a pickled cabbage slaw) and salsa roja. Here’s a recipe to make delicious pupusas at home.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 🌽 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 💧 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a combination of mozzarella and quesillo)
- 🌿 Optional: 1/2 cup refried beans
- 🌿 Optional: 1/2 cup cooked pork (chicharrón), finely chopped
For the Curtido:
- 🥬 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 🥕 1 large carrot, grated
- 🧅 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 🌶️ 1-2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (optional)
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🍋 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 💧 1/2 cup water
For the Salsa Roja:
- 🍅 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 🧅 1 small onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 🌿 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
📝 Directions:
- Prepare the Curtido:
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, grated carrot, sliced onion, and jalapeños (if using).
- Add the oregano, salt, apple cider vinegar, and water. Mix well.
- Let the curtido sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare the Salsa Roja:
- In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Blend until smooth.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended mixture and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water; if it is too wet, add a bit more masa harina. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Form the Pupusas:
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll them into balls.
- Flatten each ball into a small disc. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling (cheese, beans, or pork) in the center of the disc.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal. Gently flatten the filled dough ball into a thick tortilla, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook the Pupusas:
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pupusas for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve the pupusas hot, with curtido and salsa roja on the side. Enjoy!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 300 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can use a variety of cheeses, meats, or even vegetables.
- Pupusas are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle but can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, make sure your masa harina is certified gluten-free.