Description
Crispy Authentic Salvadoran Pupusas feature a bronzed, toasted surface and a soft, steaming interior, offering a refined take on traditional masa and savory fillings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups masa harina (masa for pupusas), plus extra for dusting
- 2 1/4–2 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded quesillo or mozzarella
- 1 cup refried black or red beans
- 1 cup cooked, finely chopped chicharrón (pork) or shredded pork (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped loroco flowers (optional)
- 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ripe tomatoes, roasted or broiled
- 1 small onion
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and a pinch of cumin
- Crema or sour cream, for drizzling
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the curtido: Combine cabbage, onion, and carrot in a bowl. Whisk vinegar, water, sugar, and salt; pour over vegetables and let stand at least 30 minutes.
- Make the salsa roja: Roast tomatoes until blackened, then blend with onion, garlic, salt, and a pinch of cumin until smooth.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk masa and salt. Add 2 1/4 cups warm water gradually, mixing with your hand until a soft, pliable dough forms. Cover with a damp cloth and rest 10 minutes.
- Prepare fillings: Warm refried beans; shred and press cheese; if using chicharrón, sauté briefly and chop finely.
- Portion and shape: Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Flatten each ball into a disc, place filling in the center, fold edges over, and press into a 1/2-inch-thick disc.
- Cook on the griddle: Heat a skillet over medium heat, lightly oil, and cook pupusas 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown.
- Finish and rest: Transfer to a rack for a minute to maintain crispness, then serve warm with curtido, salsa roja, crema, and cilantro.
Notes
Keep masa covered while working to prevent drying; adjust water for dough texture as needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: Salvadoran
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pupusas
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 12mg