Authentic El Salvadorian Bean and Cheese Pupusas
Pupusas are a beloved staple of El Salvadorian cuisine, often enjoyed as a comforting and filling meal. These thick, handmade corn flour pancakes are customarily filled with creamy refried beans, melty jack cheese, or a delightful combination, creating a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite. Pupusas can also be filled with pork for a heartier option known as Pupusas Revueltas. They are traditionally served with a zesty tomato sauce and curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw that adds a crunchy contrast to the warm, soft pupusas. Making pupusas may require a little practice, but the joy they bring to the table is well worth it. These delicious morsels are sure to bring smiles to all who partake. Enjoy this comforting dish that truly embodies the heart of El Salvadorian culture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
masa corn flour
4 cups (divided)
water
2 1/2 cups (divided)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
refried beans
1 (15 ounce) can
shredded jack cheese
1 cup
vegetable oil
as needed ((for frying))
tomato sauce
1 (14 ounce) can (good quality, warmed)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the refried beans and shredded jack cheese. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of masa corn flour with 1 1/4 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a soft, pliable dough. Be cautious, as this dough dries quickly. If it begins to dry out while you're working, add a little more water as needed to maintain its softness.
3
To form the pupusas, take a portion of the dough and roll it into a ball approximately 2 inches in diameter. Flatten the ball slightly into a disc with your hands.
4
Using your thumb, create a small 'bowl' shape in the center of the disc. Spoon a generous amount of the bean and cheese filling into the 'bowl'.
5
Carefully pinch the edges of the dough to encase the filling, then flatten the pupusa gently into a disc about 1/2 inch thick, taking care not to break it. This step may take some practice to perfect.
6
Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place as many pupusas as will fit in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook each side for 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and have a slightly crispy texture.
7
Once cooked, remove the pupusas from the skillet and repeat the process with any remaining dough and filling, adding more oil if necessary.
8
Serve the pupusas warm, accompanied by warmed tomato sauce and a side of curtido for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic El Salvadorian Pupusas?
Pupusas are thick, handmade corn flour pancakes from El Salvador, traditionally filled with ingredients like refried beans and cheese.
What is the primary ingredient used for the pupusa dough?
The dough is made using masa corn flour, water, and a pinch of salt.
How do you prepare the filling for bean and cheese pupusas?
Combine refried beans and shredded jack cheese in a small mixing bowl and set aside to let the flavors meld.
What should I do if the pupusa dough starts to dry out?
If the dough dries while you are working with it, add a little more water as needed to maintain a soft, pliable texture.
What size should the dough balls be before flattening?
Each portion of dough should be rolled into a ball approximately 2 inches in diameter.
How do you shape the dough to hold the filling?
Flatten the dough ball into a disc, then use your thumb to create a small bowl shape in the center for the filling.
How thick should the pupusas be once filled?
Gently flatten the filled dough into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe uses shredded jack cheese for a melty and delicious filling.
How long do you cook pupusas in the skillet?
Cook each side for 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
What temperature should the skillet be set to?
The skillet should be heated over medium to medium-high heat.
What kind of oil should be used for frying pupusas?
Vegetable oil is used for frying the pupusas to achieve a crispy texture.
What are the traditional side dishes for pupusas?
They are traditionally served with a zesty tomato sauce and curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw.
What is curtido?
Curtido is a tangy cabbage slaw that provides a crunchy and zesty contrast to the soft pupusas.
Can pupusas be filled with meat?
Yes, they can be filled with pork, which creates a heartier version known as Pupusas Revueltas.
How do you seal the filling inside the dough?
Carefully pinch the edges of the dough together to fully encase the filling before flattening the disc.
Is the tomato sauce served cold?
No, the tomato sauce should be warmed before serving with the pupusas.
How much masa corn flour is needed for the full recipe?
The recipe calls for a total of 4 cups of masa corn flour, divided.
What is the desired texture for the pupusa dough?
The dough should be soft and pliable, which allows it to be shaped without breaking.
How much oil should I put in the skillet initially?
Start by heating 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet.
What should I do if I have leftover dough and filling?
Repeat the forming and cooking process until all the dough and filling are used, adding more oil to the skillet if necessary.
Why is it important not to overcrowd the skillet?
Overcrowding the skillet can make it difficult to flip the pupusas and may prevent them from cooking evenly.
How much water is mixed with the masa in the instructions?
In the initial batch described in the instructions, 1 1/4 cups of water are mixed with 2 cups of masa flour.
Is salt included in the dough?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is mixed into the dough for the initial batch (total 1/2 teaspoon in ingredients list).
Can I use any type of pan for this recipe?
A nonstick skillet is recommended to ensure the pupusas don't stick and achieve the proper golden brown finish.
How many ingredients are in this pupusa recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients: masa corn flour, water, salt, refried beans, jack cheese, vegetable oil, and tomato sauce.
What flavor profile can I expect from these pupusas?
They offer a rich and satisfying flavor with a combination of creamy beans and melty cheese inside a soft corn shell.
Is the filling added before or after cooking?
The filling is added to the raw dough and then the entire pupusa is cooked in the skillet.
Is this a street food or a home-cooked meal?
Pupusas are both a beloved street food and a comforting homemade staple in El Salvadorian culture.
What do I do if the pupusa breaks while flattening?
Take care and practice your technique; it is important to be gentle so the filling does not escape.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
One 14-ounce can of good quality tomato sauce is recommended for serving.