Salvadoran Pupusas

Discover the heartwarming flavors of Latin America with Salvadoran Pupusas, a beloved traditional dish made from tender masa dough stuffed with a savory combination of creamy refried beans and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfectly crisped in a skillet, these golden masa cakes boast a delightful texture that is both soft and slightly crunchy. This easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering. Authentic and satisfying, pupusas are best served warm with tangy curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and zesty salsa roja for a true taste of El Salvador. Whether you're exploring new cuisines or revisiting a cherished classic, these pupusas are sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Masa harina
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Refried beans (black or red)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt, then gradually add warm water.

Step 2

Mix the masa dough by hand until it becomes smooth and pliable. This should take approximately 2-3 minutes. The dough should not be sticky; if it is too dry, add more water one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3

Cover the masa dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the masa to hydrate fully.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, mix the grated mozzarella cheese and refried beans until well combined. This will be the filling for the pupusas.

Step 5

Divide the masa dough into 8 equal pieces and roll them into balls.

Step 6

Flatten each ball between your palms to form a disk about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches wide.

Step 7

Place 1-2 tablespoons of the bean and cheese filling in the center of each disk.

Step 8

Carefully bring the edges of the masa disk up around the filling and seal it by pinching the dough together, forming a stuffed ball.

Step 9

Gently pat the stuffed ball back into a disk shape, about 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches wide. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed and not leaking.

Step 10

In a large skillet or griddle, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 11

Cook each pupusa for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the surface develops golden brown spots and is crispy.

Step 12

Remove from heat and let them cool for a minute before serving.

Step 13

Serve warm with curtido and salsa roja for an authentic Salvadoran experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(979.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	995.0

Total Fat 57.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.9g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 3579.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 91.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.0g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 44.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 978.3mg	0%
Iron 7.3mg	0%
Potassium 938.9mg	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: 48.6%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 34.6%