When it comes to savory, cheesy, and deliciously authentic El Salvadoran cuisine, few dishes can rival the humble pupusa. These stuffed tortillas are a staple in many Latin American countries, but they hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Salvadorans everywhere. With fillings ranging from classic cheese to more adventurous options like loroco flower and chicharrón, there’s a pupusa recipe out there for every taste and occasion.
From traditional gatherings with family and friends to casual snack times and even special celebrations, pupusas are the perfect food to bring people together. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 flavorful pupusa recipes that will take your cooking game to the next level and give you a taste of El Salvador’s rich culinary heritage.
Classic Cheese Pupusas
Pupusas are a staple of Salvadoran cuisine, and this recipe brings you the authentic taste of these stuffed corn tortillas. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious, cheesy pupusas that will become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Filling:
+ 1 cup queso fresco or mozzarella cheese, crumbled
+ 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Place 1 tablespoon of cheese in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press edges together to seal.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Revuelta Pupusas with Pork and Cheese
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these delicious Salvadoran-style pupusas filled with tender pork, gooey cheese, and flavorful spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 pound cooked pork shoulder, shredded
+ 1/2 cup queso fresco or mozzarella cheese, crumbled
+ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
+ 1 small onion, finely chopped
+ 1 clove garlic, minced
+ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, and shredded lettuce for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water, stirring until dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
4. Roll out each piece into a thin circle.
5. Place 1 tablespoon of pork filling in the center of each circle.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Cook pupusas on a dry griddle or skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Revuelta Pupusas with Pork and Cheese!
Bean and Cheese Pupusas
These traditional El Salvadorian pupusas are filled with creamy cheese, savory beans, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cooked black beans
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Optional: chopped cilantro, salsa, and sour cream for toppings
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place a spoonful of black beans in the center of each disk, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press edges together to seal.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Loroco Flower Pupusas
Experience the vibrant flavors of El Salvador with this recipe for Loroco Flower Pupusas, a traditional dish filled with loroco flowers, cheese, and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pupusa dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup loroco flowers, chopped
– 1/4 cup shredded queso fresco or mozzarella
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a dry griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Divide the pupusa dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
3. Flatten each ball into a disk, about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of chopped loroco flowers in the center of each disk.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the loroco.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.
7. Brush the tops with vegetable oil and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Chicharrón Pupusas
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these crispy and savory pupusas filled with chicharrón, a popular Salvadoran snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup crumbled chicharrón (fried pork rinds)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
3. Flatten each ball into a disk shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
4. Place a tablespoon or two of chicharrón in the center of each disk.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.
6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Spinach and Cheese Pupusas
In this recipe, we’ll explore the delicious combination of spinach and cheese wrapped in a traditional Salvadoran pupusa. This tasty treat is perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked spinach
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1/2 cup masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spinach and shredded cheese.
2. Add masa harina, salt, and baking powder to the spinach mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a thick dough.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions.
5. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re lightly browned and crispy.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado, or sour cream.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Shrimp and Cheese Pupusas
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this flavorful twist on traditional pupusas, filled with succulent shrimp and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pupusa dough (or make your own)
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream or salsa for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Divide the pupusa dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
3. Place 2-3 shrimp in the center of each pupusa, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle grated cheese and chopped cilantro over the shrimp.
5. Fold the pupusa in half to form a half-moon shape and press edges together to seal.
6. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve hot with sour cream or salsa, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicken and Cheese Pupusas
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed tortillas, typically filled with cheese or beans. This recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken and cheese for a twist on this popular dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 pound cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Brush one side of each disk with vegetable oil.
6. Place 1/4 cup shredded chicken and 1/4 cup shredded cheese in the center of each disk.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
8. Cook pupusas on a comal or griddle over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Black Bean Pupusas
Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish that consists of thick corn tortillas stuffed with various fillings, including black beans. This recipe combines the rich flavors of black beans with the simplicity of handmade pupusas.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for brushing
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together cooked black beans and 1 tablespoon of water.
2. In a separate bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add in the remaining 1/4 cup of water to form a thick dough.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Flatten each ball into a thin disk shape using a rolling pin or your hands.
5. Place 1-2 tablespoons of black bean mixture onto one half of the tortilla, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the other half over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press edges together to seal.
7. Brush tops with vegetable oil and cook on a dry griddle or frying pan over medium heat for 30-40 seconds on each side, until slightly browned.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on cooking method)
Sweet Plantain Pupusas
Experience the warm flavors of Latin America with these sweet plantain pupusas, a twist on the traditional savory version.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable shortening or cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced plantains, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until the sugars are evenly distributed.
3. Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape. Grease the skillet or griddle with shortening or cooking spray.
6. Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re lightly browned and slightly crispy.
7. Serve warm, dusting with powdered sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Pumpkin Pupusas
These crispy, cheesy pupusas filled with roasted pumpkin and spices are the perfect treat for fall.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together masa harina, warm water, salt, and baking powder to form a dough.
2. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place a tablespoon of pumpkin puree in the center of each disk.
5. Sprinkle cheese and cilantro on top of the pumpkin.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Zucchini and Cheese Pupusas
Experience the flavors of El Salvador with these crispy, cheesy pupusas filled with zucchini and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together masa harina and warm water until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on desired pupusa size.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place a spoonful of chopped zucchini and shredded cheese in the center of each disk.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Fry pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or shredded lettuce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Jalapeño and Cheese Pupusas
Get ready to spice up your snack game with these flavorful and easy-to-make pupusas filled with jalapeños and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup of warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1-2 sliced jalapeños
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add in the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Place a spoonful of grated cheese and sliced jalapeños in the center of each disk.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
8. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Fry the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
10. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch, depending on the size and number of pupusas.
Garlic Butter Pupusas
These crispy pupusas are filled with a savory garlic butter mixture, perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add in warm water, stirring until dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and minced garlic.
7. Place a spoonful of garlic butter in the center of each pupusa disk.
8. Fold the pupusas in half to enclose the filling, pressing edges to seal.
9. Cook pupusas on a dry griddle or frying pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Corn Pupusas
Sweet Corn Pupusas Recipe
Get ready to taste the sweetness of Mexico with this delicious Sweet Corn Pupusas recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned sweet corn, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Optional: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced radishes for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, salt, and warm water. Mix until dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes pliable and smooth.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place 1 tablespoon of sweet corn in the center of each disk.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your sweet and savory Sweet Corn Pupusas with your favorite toppings!
Avocado and Cheese Pupusas
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this creamy and cheesy twist on traditional pupusas!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup of warm water
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and warm water to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
4. Flatten each ball into a disk shape, then place a spoonful of mashed avocado and shredded cheese onto one half of the disk.
5. Fold the other half over to form a triangle or square shape, pressing the edges together to seal the pupusa.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Cook the pupusas for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes total
Pineapple and Cheese Pupusas
Pineapple and Cheese Pupusas Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Twist
Combine the flavors of tropical pineapple with melted cheese for a unique pupusa filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 cup pineapple chunks
+ 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
+ 1 tablespoon honey
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together masa harina and warm water until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes.
2. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place a spoonful of pineapple chunks in the center of each disk, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
5. Fold the edges over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the tops with vegetable oil and cook on a grill or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegan Black Bean Pupusas
These crispy, cheesy pupusas are a flavorful twist on the traditional Salvadoran dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup masa harina
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegan cheese shreds (such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart)
– Optional: cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, masa harina, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes pliable and easy to work with.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your pupusas to be.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place a few vegan cheese shreds in the center of each pupusa. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
6. Cook the pupusas on a dry griddle or frying pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the delicious world of pupusas with this collection of 18 flavorful recipes! From classic cheese and revuelta (pork and cheese) to innovative creations like shrimp and cheese, chicken and cheese, and vegan black bean, there’s a pupusa for every occasion. Savor sweet plantain and pumpkin varieties, or spice things up with jalapeño and cheese. Even meat-lovers will delight in chicharrón and garlic butter options. With these mouth-watering recipes, you’ll never get bored of this beloved El Salvadoran dish.
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