Best 7 Pupusas El Salvadorean Tortilla Recipes

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Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish made with thick, handmade corn tortillas filled with various savory ingredients and cooked on a griddle. The most common fillings include refried beans and cheese, squash, or pork, but pupusas can also be made with a variety of other ingredients, such as herbs, vegetables, and meats. Pupusas are typically served with curtido, a spicy fermented cabbage slaw, and tomato salsa. This article provides recipes for three different types of pupusas: cheese and refried bean pupusas, squash and cheese pupusas, and pork and cheese pupusas. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for making perfect pupusas. Whether you're a Salvadoran food enthusiast or simply looking to try something new and delicious, these pupusa recipes are sure to please.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SALVADORAN PUPUSAS AS MADE BY CURLY AND HIS ABUELITA RECIPE BY TASTY



Salvadoran Pupusas As Made By Curly And His Abuelita Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: green cabbage, small white onion, medium carrots, boiling water, distilled white vinegar, dried oregano, kosher salt, vegetable oil, boneless pork shoulder, salt, medium tomato, green bell pepper, small white onion, masa harina, salt, cold water, grated mozzarella cheese, refried bean, vegetable oil

Provided by Katie Aubin

Categories     Sides

Yield 18 pupusas

Number Of Ingredients 19

½ head green cabbage, cored and shredded
1 small white onion, sliced
2 medium carrots, grated
4 cups boiling water
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch (2-cm) cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium tomato, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
1 small white onion, diced
4 cups masa harina
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups cold water
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup refried bean, cooked
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Make the curtido: In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, onion, and carrots. Pour the boiling water over the vegetables and toss. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain.
  • In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine the vinegar, oregano, and salt. Pour over the slaw and toss to coat. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer the curtido any any leftover liquid in the bowl to an airtight jar or container.
  • Chill for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator, or chill overnight for best results.
  • Make the chicharrón: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and salt. Cook for 15 minutes without disturbing. If the pork is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium. Turn the pork over and let cook on the other side for 10 minutes more, or until crispy and golden brown.
  • Transfer the pork to a food processor and add the tomato, green bell pepper, and onion. Pulse until a thick paste forms. The mixture should not be watery. Set aside.
  • Make the pupusa dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina and salt, then add the water. Use your hands to mix until the dough comes together with a clay-like texture.
  • Fill a small bowl with water and a bit of oil and set near your work station. You'll wet your fingers with the mixture as you work to keep the dough from sticking to your hands.
  • Take a golf ball-sized portion of dough and roll into a ball, then flatten into an even round.
  • Fill the dough round with ½ tablespoon chicharrón paste, 1 teaspoon refried beans, and 1 teaspoon mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over the filling until it's completely sealed. Then, pat out the ball between your hands until flat. If the pupusa cracks, patch it with a bit of dough and a little oil. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  • Heat a large pan or griddle over medium heat. Brush with vegetable oil, then place 2-3 pupusas on the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip and cook on the other side for 2-4 minutes more, until golden brown and warmed through. Repeat with the remaining pupusas.
  • Serve the pupusas with curtido.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 201 calories, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 3 grams

PUPUSAS (EL SALVADOREAN TORTILLA)



Pupusas (El Salvadorean Tortilla) image

My DIL introduced me to these. She is more crazy about them than I am, but thought I would post. An El Salvador Recipe-

Provided by Chef Mommie

Categories     Breads

Time 40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups masa harina
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons shortening (not oil)
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 lb muenster cheese (shredded)

Steps:

  • Combine dry ingredients.
  • Cut shortening into dry ingredients with pastry blender.
  • Add warm water a few drops at a time until dough is manageable.
  • Knead dough 15-20 times.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Form dough into balls the size of an egg.
  • Roll out until 6 inches in diameter.
  • Add some of the cheese to the top of one tortilla and then add another tortilla on top of that.
  • Place on hot ungreased griddle .
  • Cook 2 minutes on each side.
  • Serve with cabbage and shredded carrots on top, or with sauerkraut or coleslaw or even a tomato sauce would be good. Topped off with shredded cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 493, Fat 22.8, SaturatedFat 9.8, Cholesterol 36.4, Sodium 1139.6, Carbohydrate 58.8, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 0.4, Protein 15.9

EL SALVADORIAN BEAN AND CHEESE PUPUSAS



El Salvadorian Bean and Cheese Pupusas image

Pupusas are, in my opinion, El Salvadorian comfort food! A pupusa is like a thick corn flour pancake filled with either beans, cheese, beans and cheese, or beans, cheese and pork (which is called Pupusas Revueltas). It is served with tomato sauce to pour on top or dip bites into, and curtido on the side. These things really put me in a happy place. Enjoy the recipe-- I hope they put you in a happy place as well!

Provided by Sommer Clary

Categories     South American

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 cups masa corn flour, divided
2 1/2 cups water, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
1 cup shredded jack cheese
vegetable oil (for frying)
1 (14 ounce) can good quality tomato sauce

Steps:

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine refried beans and cheese. Set aside.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine 2 cups Masa with 1 ¼ cups water and ¼ tsp salt, mixing thoroughly until it is a soft dough (this dough dries out fast- hence the divided measurements. But if it starts to dry out while you are still working, you can add a touch more water as needed).
  • Pinch a bit of dough off and roll it into a ball about 2 inches in diameter (about the size of a golf ball). Using your thumb, push down on the ball to make more of a "bowl". Place a spoonful of the bean and cheese mixture into the "bowl".
  • Pinch off and flatten a bit more dough to cover the bowl with. Carefully flatten the filled ball to make a disc, making an effort to make it as thinly as possible- about 1/2 inch thick. This takes a lot of practice!
  • Pour 1/4 cup of oil into a nonstick skillet and place as many pupusas as will fit, and cook over medium / medium- high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and browned. Repeat with the next batch, adding more oil if necessary. When the masa dough has run out, make another fresh batch.
  • Serve with warmed tomato sauce and curtido.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 641.5, Fat 12.8, SaturatedFat 5.5, Cholesterol 26.6, Sodium 1414.1, Carbohydrate 113.2, Fiber 18.1, Sugar 5.2, Protein 23.4

PUPUSAS



Pupusas image

This is a fairly authentic version of the popular Salvadorean dish. It does take some time, however it is well worth the effort! You can purchase pre-made chicharron at specialty markets, however this recipe tastes just like it. I also make the salsa roja and curtido ahead of time (the salsa freezes very well, and the curtido can stay in the fridge at least a week).

Provided by ZZ

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork

Time 2h54m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 23

4 cups plain tomato sauce
1 cup water
4 bunches fresh cilantro, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cube chicken bouillon
salt to taste
½ head cabbage, shredded
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
½ cup white vinegar
3 scallions, minced
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 (12 ounce) package bacon, or to taste
4 tomatoes, halved, or more to taste
1 green bell pepper, seeded and quartered
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt to taste
4 cups masa harina, or more to taste
2 cups water, or as needed
½ cup vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

  • Combine tomato sauce, water, cilantro, green bell pepper, onion, crushed garlic, bouillon cube, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Let salsa roja cool for 10 minutes.
  • Fill a blender halfway with the salsa roja. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend. Pour into a bowl. Repeat with remaining salsa roja. Return to saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes more stirring occasionally. Allow to cool completely, about 1 hour, and refrigerate.
  • Place cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Add 4 cups boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain well. Mix in vinegar, scallions, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Chill curtido until serving.
  • Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until almost fully cooked and not yet crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon and grease (if desired) to a food processor. Add tomatoes, quartered green bell pepper, Monterey Jack cheese, and minced garlic. Puree and season the chicharron with salt.
  • Mix masa harina and 1/2 cup water together in a bowl by hand. Add the remaining water slowly, about 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition, until dough is moist but still firm. Cover with a wet towel.
  • Heat 1/2 cup oil a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Take a golf ball-sized piece of dough and roll into a ball in your hands. Make a hole in the dough ball with your thumb; put a small amount of chicharron inside the hole, close it up, and flatten the ball with your hands into a thick tortilla shape. Place pupusa in the skillet and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining dough and chicharron.
  • Serve each pupusa topped with 2 tablespoons of curtido and 1 tablespoon of salsa roja.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.7 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 7.7 g, Protein 9.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 676 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

PUPUSAS DE QUESO (CHEESE-STUFFED TORTILLAS)



Pupusas de Queso (Cheese-Stuffed Tortillas) image

An El Salvadoran treat, these homemade tortillas stuffed with cheese are great with a traditional coleslaw called curtido. To serve, slice open one side of a pupusa, and spoon curtido into the opening. Farmer's cheese or mozzarella can be substituted for queso blanco.

Provided by Jenny

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 cups masa harina
1 cup water
1 cup queso fresco, crumbled

Steps:

  • Stir the masa harina and water together in a mixing bowl until smooth; knead well. Cover bowl, and let the dough rest 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Shape the dough into eight, 2 inch diameter balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into 6 inch diameter round. Sprinkle 1/4 cup queso fresco over each round. Place a second tortilla over the cheese, and pinch the edges together to seal in the cheese.
  • Heat ungreased skillet over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla into the skillet at a time, and cook until cheese melts and tortillas are lightly browned, about 2 minutes on each side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.8 g, Cholesterol 19.9 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 7.6 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 85.3 mg

PUPUSAS: STUFFED CORN TORTILLAS



Pupusas: Stuffed Corn Tortillas image

Pupusas are a Salvadoran treat consisting of thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, and/or pork. They are easy to make at home.

Provided by Marian Blazes

Categories     Appetizer

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups masa harina (corn flour for making tortillas)
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup refried beans
Optional: 1 cup chicharrón
1 cup grated quesillo
Vegetable oil (for oiling hands and skillet)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • In a large bowl, mix the masa harina with the water and salt, stirring well. Add more water if necessary to obtain a soft dough that does not crack around the edges when flattened.
  • Let the dough rest, covered with plastic wrap, for about 15 minutes.
  • If using the refried beans and/or the chicharrón, place in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. The consistency should be like a paste.
  • Divide the dough into about 6 pieces.
  • Lightly oil your hands to keep the dough from sticking to them (just a small amount of vegetable oil will do). Form each piece of dough into a ball, then make an indentation in the ball.
  • Place the grated quesillo, beans, chicharrón, or a combination of fillings in the indentation, and carefully wrap dough around the filling to seal.
  • Flatten the ball into a disk, about 1/4 inch thick, being careful to keep the filling from leaking out of the edges. This can take a little practice.
  • Wipe a very small amount of oil onto the surface of a heavy skillet ( cast iron works well). Heat the skillet over medium heat, and place the pupusas in the skillet.
  • Once the bottoms of the pupusas are browned, about 2 to 3 minutes, flip over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and serve warm with a side of pickled cabbage slaw ( curtido ) and tomato sauce ( salsa roja ) if desired.
  • Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 293 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 9 g, ServingSize About 6 pupusas, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

AUTHENTIC SALVADOREAN PUPUSAS



Authentic Salvadorean Pupusas image

I was a little leary about posting this mainly because the recipe takes some effort, but I promise it's well worth the time! This recipe is always served with, Recipe #271297 and Recipe #292499.

Provided by cervantesbrandi

Categories     Beans

Time 40m

Yield 20 pupusas

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups red beans (cooked)
1/4 small onion
1/2 cup corn oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup water (I use cooking liquid from the beans)
3 lbs mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
1/2 cup chile (I use lorocco which is a tropical flower found in latin markets)
4 cups masa corn flour (I use maseca brand)
2 cups warm water

Steps:

  • The Beans:.
  • Heat the corn oil in a large soup pan on medium high heat. Once the oil is heated fry the onion until golden brown.
  • While the onions are cooking, place half of the beans and 1/2 cup of the reserved bean liquid in a blender and blend for 1 minute.
  • Once the onion is golden in color, about 4 minutes take the onion out with a slotted spoon.
  • Carefully stir the beans from the blender into the hot oil. Turn your heat down to medium low.
  • Next add the onion and the rest of the beans and reserved 1/2 cup cooking liquid into the blender and liquefy for a minute. Add the beans to the rest of the mixture that is already cooking.
  • Carefully stir the beans until no oil appears in the beans, about 3 minutes. Cook on medium stirring about every 5 minutes until the beans have darkened about 3 shades and are the consistency of refried beans in a can.
  • The Cheese:.
  • Place the shredded mozzarella, lorocco, and bell pepper in a food processor and process until the bell peppers and lorocco are chopped into tiny pieces and fully incorporated into the cheese.
  • Next, place the cheese mixture into a plastic bowl and warm the mix in the microwave for no more than 20 seconds.
  • Next -- and yes this sounds gross, squeeze the cheese mixture with your hands until it becomes like a soft putty consistency.
  • Set the cheese aside and get ready for the masa.
  • The Masa:.
  • Place the masa mix and water in a bowl and stir until fully mixed. The masa should be very sticky but should form an easy ball when rolled. If not, add water until it is sticky but easy to work with.
  • Next, Place an egg size ball of masa in your hand (it helps to place a tiny bit of oil on your hands before doing this) and press the masa out in one hand to represent a small plate the size of your palm.
  • Place about a tablespoon of cheese down onto the masa, then a tsp of beans. Pull the sides of the masa up around the beans and cheese and roll it into a ball. Next, flatten it a tiny bit with your palms to form a thick disc. Pat the disc turning it between your hands about 6 times to flatten it more but to keep it in a round shape.
  • The pupusa should be a little less than 1/2 inch thick.
  • Place the pupusa on a large oiled non stick surface and cook on medium high until each side is golden brown, around 3 minutes on each side.
  • Enjoy!

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your pupusas.
  • Don't overmix the masa dough. Overmixing will make the dough tough.
  • Be patient when cooking the pupusas. They need to be cooked slowly over low heat so that they have time to cook through.
  • Serve the pupusas hot with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include curtido (a Salvadoran cabbage slaw), salsa roja (a tomato salsa), and frijoles borrachos (drunken beans).

Conclusion:

Pupusas are a delicious and versatile Salvadoran dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are easy to make and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a great option for feeding a crowd. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give pupusas a try!

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