Description
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran corn masa cakes, stuffed with cheese or beans, and served with tangy curtido slaw and flavorful salsa roja. This recipe guides you through making these comforting and culturally rich dishes at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pupusas:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 ½ cups warm water, plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or queso Oaxaca)
- ½ cup refried beans (optional)
- For the Curtido (Slaw):
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, grated
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Salsa Roja:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Curtido: Place cabbage, carrot, and onion in a bowl. Pour boiling water over them and let sit for 5 minutes, then drain. Mix with vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Make the Salsa Roja: Heat oil in a skillet, then sauté tomatoes, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes. Blend until smooth. Return to skillet, add cumin, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Form the Pupusa Dough: In a large bowl, mix masa harina, salt, and warm water until a soft dough forms. Add more water if crumbly.
- Shape Pupusas: Divide dough into 8 balls. Flatten each ball, add cheese (and beans if using), then seal and pat gently into a disc.
- Cook Pupusas: Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook pupusas for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve hot with curtido and salsa roja on the side.
Notes
- Masa should be soft and pliable but not sticky. If it cracks when forming discs, add a splash of water.
- Ensure the edges of the pupusas are tightly sealed before flattening to prevent fillings from leaking.
- Cook pupusas on medium heat for even cooking and a golden crust.
- Pupusas taste best served hot off the griddle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Salvadoran
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pupusa with curtido and salsa roja
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A