How to Make Pupusas: 15 Steps
Pupusas are a delicious and traditional Salvadoran dish made from corn tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, beans, and meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic pupusas at home.
1. Gather ingredients: You will need corn masa flour, water, salt, a filling of choice (such as cheese, refried beans, or cooked pork), and oil for cooking.
2. Prepare the filling: For cheese pupusas, grate the cheese (mozzarella or a Salvadoran cheese like quesillo). For bean pupusas, cook and mash the beans beforehand or use canned refried beans. For meat pupusas, cook and shred the meat, like pork.
3. Combine the masa flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
4. Gradually add water while mixing with your hands until you get a soft dough that does not stick to your fingers but holds its shape well. If needed, add more masa flour or water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Let the dough rest for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls (about 2 inches in diameter).
7. Flatten each ball into a thick disc using your palms or a tortilla press lined with plastic wrap.
8. Place about one tablespoon of filling in the center of each disc.
9. Fold over one edge of the disc to cover the filling (like a semicircle) and pinch the edges together.
10. Flatten the filled tortilla gently back into a round shape using your palms while ensuring that the filling stays inside.
11. Preheat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil.
12. Place the pupusa onto the griddle or pan and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
13. Use a spatula to flip the pupusa over and cook on the other side.
14. Remove from heat and let the cooked pupusas rest on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
15. Repeat the process for all pupusas.
Serve the pupusas hot with curtido (a Salvadoran cabbage slaw) and salsa roja (a tomato-based dipping sauce) for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy this taste of El Salvador!