Pupusas

Pupusas

Pupusas are so easy to make! They are similar to a flatbread or a pancake that is made with corn flour (masa) and filled with cheese and beans or meat.  Pupusas are a traditional dish from El Salvador and they’re cooked on a hot griddle. These are traditionally served with Curtido (Mexican Cabbage Slaw).

For the dough:

  • 2 cups Instant Masa Harina (corn flour) (I recommend the Maseca brand)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling use any combination of:

  • Refried beans
  • Cheese
  • Meat (chicken, beef or pork)

Pupusas Directions:

Place the masa harina (corn flour) and salt to a large bowl. Add the water and knead by hand for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is formed but is still moist and slightly sticky. Add more water if necessary to obtain a soft dough that does not crack around the edges when flattened. The dough can be prepared the day before. Cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Tip: It helps to lightly oil or dampen your hands when working the dough.

Divide the dough into small balls, about 2 inches in diameter.

Take a dough ball into the palm of your hand and gently press with your fingers or thumb to form a cup and make room for the filling. Add about a tablespoon of filling. Pull and fold the masa around the filling and press the edges together to seal well, making sure none of the filling leaks out.

Using your hands gently roll the filled masa into a ball and then press and flatten to form a disc of about 4 – 6 inches in diameter and about ¼ inch thick. Be careful not to press too hard so that the filling is squeezed out. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Just choose the method that works for you. If some filling comes out just reseal the edge and carry on. Repeat with the remaining masa balls and filling.

Start Cooking:

Heat a large, nonstick heavy-based skillet over a medium to high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Using lightly oiled or dampened hands carefully pick up a pupusa and place onto the pre-heated skillet. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes per side, or until lightly golden and puffed up. Turn occasionally to ensure they are nicely browned and cooked on both sides. Repeat with remaining pupusas.

Now that the pupusas are all lightly golden and puffed up they ready to be served. Serve the pupusas warm with salsa.