Description
Learn how to make authentic Salvadoran pupusas with step-by-step instructions, including curtido and salsa roja. Easy, delicious, and customizable!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Pupusas
The basic ingredients for pupusas are quite simple, but the beauty of the dish lies in the endless variety of fillings and accompaniments. Below are the essential ingredients you’ll need:
For the Masa (Dough):
- 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 ½ cups of warm water
- A pinch of salt
Masa harina is a staple in Salvadoran and Mexican cooking, made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with lime, then ground into a fine powder. You can easily find it in most grocery stores or online.
For the Fillings:
- 1 cup of shredded quesillo or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of refried beans (optional)
- ½ pound of cooked and shredded pork (optional)
- ½ cup of finely chopped jalapeños (optional for added spice)
The beauty of pupusas lies in their flexibility. While the traditional filling combinations are popular, you can get creative and personalize your pupusas by adding vegetables, different cheeses, or even non-traditional proteins like shrimp or chicken.
Instructions
Making Pupusas from Scratch
While the process of making pupusas might seem intimidating at first, it’s actually quite straightforward. With a little practice, you’ll be shaping perfect, thick tortillas filled with cheesy, savory goodness in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Masa
In a large mixing bowl, combine your masa harina, warm water, and a pinch of salt. Knead the mixture with your hands until you achieve a smooth and slightly tacky dough. If the dough feels too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s pliable but not sticky. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the water fully.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
Prepare your desired fillings in advance:
- Cheese: Grate your chosen cheese, such as mozzarella or quesillo.
- Beans: Warm and mash your refried beans.
- Pork: Cook your pork in a pan until tender and then shred it into small pieces. You can season the pork with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic for extra flavor.
Step 3: Form the Pupusas
With your hands lightly oiled or moistened, take a small handful of dough (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disc, making a slight indent in the middle for the filling.
Add about 1-2 tablespoons of your desired filling (cheese, beans, pork, or a combination) to the center. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges, and then flatten the ball back into a thick disc, about ¼ inch thick.
Step 4: Cook the Pupusas
Heat a non-stick skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Place your formed pupusas onto the hot surface and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
You may notice that some of the cheese might ooze out during cooking – don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal and adds to the flavor!
Notes
Conclusion
Pupusas are a delicious, versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick with traditional fillings like cheese and beans or get creative with your own combinations, pupusas are sure to become a favorite in your household.
The combination of soft masa dough, savory fillings, tangy curtido, and rich salsa roja makes for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal. Now that you know how to make pupusas from scratch, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Salvadoran
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg