Pupusas Con Curtido Masa Cakes with Spicy Slaw

Experience the vibrant flavors of El Salvador with this delightful recipe for Pupusas Con Curtido—crispy masa cakes stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and optionally filled with refried beans, served alongside a tangy, spicy curtido slaw. These homemade pupusas are made with soft masa harina dough, pan-fried to golden perfection, and paired with a zesty blend of cabbage, carrots, and onions, all marinated in a vinegar-forward dressing with hints of oregano and red pepper flakes. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a flavorful snack, this recipe showcases a harmony of textures and bold flavors that will transport your taste buds. Easy to customize and made with simple ingredients, Pupusas Con Curtido is a must-try dish for lovers of Latin cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup refried beans (optional)
• 4 cups green cabbage
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 0.5 cup white onion, thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup white vinegar
• 0.5 cup water (for curtido)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt (for curtido)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (for masa)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the curtido (spicy slaw): In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced white onion.

Step 2

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine white vinegar, water, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it steep for 1 minute.

Step 3

Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage mixture. Toss everything together and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or until slightly softened. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4

In another large bowl, combine the masa harina and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing with your hands until you form a smooth dough. It should be slightly moist but not sticky.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll them into balls.

Step 6

Flatten one dough ball into a disk about 4 inches wide in your palm. Add a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese (and refried beans if using) in the center.

Step 7

Carefully fold the edges of the dough up around the filling, sealing it completely. Flatten the ball gently back into a disc about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 8

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush lightly with vegetable oil.

Step 9

Cook the pupusas for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly charred spots appear. Remove and keep warm.

Step 10

Serve the hot pupusas with a generous helping of curtido on top. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1643.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1795.7

Total Fat 63.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 80.3mg	0%
Sodium 4246.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 250.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.7g	0%
Total Sugars 23.7g
Protein 61.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1408.0mg	0%
Iron 10.6mg	0%
Potassium 2396.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.6%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 55.0%