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Easy Pupusas

Easy Pupusas

Discover the joy of making easy pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish that brings a taste of Central America right to your kitchen. These delightful pockets are stuffed with a savory blend of cheese and optional refried beans, encased in a soft masa dough, and cooked to golden perfection.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pupusas 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (228g) masa harina (white or yellow)
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter or lard, softened
  • Vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Oaxaca cheese
  • 1 cup refried beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together masa harina, chicken bouillon, and salt. Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring until a dough forms.
  2. Work in the butter or lard until fully incorporated. Let this dough sit for about 15 minutes—it’s getting ready for its big moment!
  3. Divide the dough into even portions, rolling each into a ball. Flatten them into circles and spoon your chosen filling into the center. Then, lovingly fold the dough over, sealing in the goodness.
  4. Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the pupusas for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they achieve a golden brown hue that’s just chef’s kiss.
  5. Serve these beauties warm, accompanied by a zesty salsa or a tangy curtido, and watch them disappear right before your eyes!

Notes

  • Feeling adventurous? Why not throw in some loroco flowers or zucchini flowers into the cheese filling for a traditional twist?
  • If the dough feels too dry or too sticky, don’t fret! Adjust by adding a tad more masa harina or water until you reach the perfect consistency.
  • Pupusas are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, but they can be reheated in a dry pan for a quick, satisfying meal.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Salvadoran

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pupusa
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Salvadoran cuisine, Easy Pupusas, Masa harina recipes, Stuffed masa cakes, Traditional pupusas