Savory Salvadoran Pupusas
Experience the beloved street food of El Salvador with these delicious pupusas. Made from masa harina, these traditional corn tortillas are filled with a variety of savory ingredients, typically featuring a rich blend of melted cheese and fresh herbs. While the classic fillings include cheese and meat, they're incredibly versatile, allowing for creative combinations like spiced beans or sautéed vegetables. Perfect as a hearty snack or a satisfying lunch, these pupusas are a true culinary delight that embodies the vibrant flavors of Central American cuisine.
6
Servings
142
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
masa harina
2 cups (Uncooked, for dough)
warm water
1 1/2 cups (To be mixed with masa harina)
mild cheese
6 ounces (Grated or shredded, for filling)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (Chopped, for filling)
salt
to taste (For flavoring the filling)
black pepper
to taste (For flavoring the filling)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and warm water. Mix until it forms a soft, pliable dough that is not sticky. Adjust the consistency by adding more masa harina if it's too wet or more water if it's too dry.
2
Take about half a cup of dough and roll it into a ball, then flatten it into a 3-inch round disc using your palms or a flat surface.
3
Place your chosen filling (mild cheese, chopped cilantro, and season with salt and pepper if desired) in the center of the disc.
4
Carefully fold the edges of the disc over the filling, pinching the dough to completely encase the filling. Roll it back into a ball to ensure it's sealed.
5
Gently flatten the ball into a patty about 1/4 inch thick, making sure it remains sealed.
6
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cook the pupusas for about 3 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
7
Serve the pupusas warm, with optional sides such as curtido (fermented cabbage slaw) or tomato salsa for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
5g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Salvadoran Pupusas?
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran corn tortillas made from masa harina and filled with savory ingredients like cheese and herbs.
What is the primary ingredient for the pupusa dough?
The dough is made primarily from masa harina, which is a type of corn flour, mixed with warm water.
How much masa harina is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of masa harina to make the dough.
What amount of water should I use for the dough?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of warm water to mix with the masa harina.
How do I know if the dough consistency is correct?
The dough should be soft and pliable without being sticky; you can adjust it by adding more flour if wet or more water if dry.
What size should the initial dough ball be?
Take about half a cup of dough and roll it into a ball before flattening it.
How large should the dough disc be before adding filling?
Flatten the dough ball into a round disc that is approximately 3 inches in diameter.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 6 ounces of mild cheese, which should be grated or shredded for the filling.
Are there herbs in the filling?
Yes, the filling includes 1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor.
How do I season the pupusa filling?
The filling can be seasoned with salt and black pepper to your personal taste preference.
How do I seal the filling inside the dough?
Fold the edges of the dough disc over the filling and pinch the dough to completely encase the ingredients, then roll it back into a ball.
How thick should the final pupusa patty be?
Gently flatten the sealed ball into a patty that is approximately 1/4 inch thick.
What temperature should the griddle be set to?
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat for cooking the pupusas.
How long do I cook each pupusa?
Cook the pupusas for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden-brown.
What are common side dishes for pupusas?
Pupusas are traditionally served with curtido, which is a fermented cabbage slaw, or tomato salsa.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is calculated to produce 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 142 calories.
How much fat is in one pupusa serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat in a single serving of these pupusas.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these pupusas?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving provides 0.8 grams of dietary fiber.
Are pupusas considered street food?
Yes, pupusas are a famous and beloved street food from El Salvador.
Can I use different fillings besides cheese?
Yes, pupusas are versatile and can be filled with spiced beans, meat, or sautéed vegetables.
Is this specific recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe using cheese and cilantro is a vegetarian option.
What region's cuisine do pupusas represent?
Pupusas embody the vibrant flavors of Central American cuisine, specifically from El Salvador.
When is the best time to serve pupusas?
They are perfect as a hearty snack, a satisfying lunch, or even a light dinner.
Should the water for the dough be cold or warm?
The recipe specifies using warm water to help form the masa harina into a soft dough.
How do I know when the pupusa is finished cooking?
The pupusa is ready once it has developed a golden-brown crust on both sides.
How should pupusas be served?
They should be served warm, ideally with traditional accompaniments for the best flavor.
Can I add more masa harina if the dough is too wet?
Yes, if the dough is too wet, you can adjust the consistency by adding more masa harina.