Dishbook

Pupusas

Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed corn cakes made by filling masa disks with savory ingredients like cheese and beans. Cooked on a hot griddle, they develop a crisp exterior and a soft, melty interior. Serve warm with curtido and salsa roja for an authentic Central American street-food experience.

Ingredients

2 cups masa harina
1 teaspoon salt
1.50 cups warm water
1.50 cups refried beans
1 cup shredded cheese
2 tablespoons bean and cheese filling
1 tablespoon oil
0.50 cups curtido (pickled cabbage slaw)
0.50 cups salsa roja

Steps

  1. Combine masa harina, salt, and warm water; knead into a soft dough.

  2. Divide dough into 8 balls and flatten each into a 4″ disk.

  3. Mix refried beans and cheese until smooth for the filling.

  4. Place 2 tablespoon filling in the center of each disk, fold edges over to seal, then gently flatten.

  5. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium heat; cook pupusas 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

  6. Serve immediately with curtido and salsa roja.