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Golden Salvadoran pupusas served with curtido and tomato salsa.

Salvadoran Pupusas

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Soft corn masa cakes filled with cheese, pork, and beans, griddled and served with curtido and tomato salsa.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Pupusa Dough
  • 2 cups masa harina fine corn flour
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water plus more as needed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil for the dough and pan
Filling
  • 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella shredded
  • 4 oz cooked pork chicharrón finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup refried beans thick and cooled
Curtido
  • 3 cups green cabbage finely shredded
  • 1 medium carrot julienned
  • 1/2 medium white onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
Tomato Salsa
  • 4 medium Roma tomatoes quartered
  • 1/4 medium white onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 small jalapeño seeded if desired
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil

Equipment

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Small food processor

Method
 

Prepare the Curtido and Salsa:
  1. Toss the cabbage, carrot, onion, vinegar, water, oregano, and salt in a bowl. Let the curtido stand for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeño until mostly smooth. Warm the oil in a small saucepan, add the salsa, and simmer for 8 minutes.
Mix and Fill:
  1. Stir the masa harina, warm water, salt, and oil into a soft dough. Rest for 10 minutes, then divide into 8 balls.
  2. Mix the mozzarella, chicharrón, and refried beans. Flatten each dough ball, add filling, pinch closed, and gently press into a thick round. Patch any cracks with damp fingers.
Cook:
  1. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the pupusas for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning until browned and cooked through.
  2. Serve immediately with curtido and tomato salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 22gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 1040mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8g

Notes

  • The dough should feel soft and pliable, not sticky.
  • Keep shaped pupusas covered with a damp towel while the rest are formed.