The Best Homemade Pupusa Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade pupusa recipe is easy to follow and brings the authentic flavors of El Salvador to your kitchen. You’ll love how simple it is to make these delicious stuffed tortillas from scratch using everyday ingredients.
- Customizable fillings—choose your favorite combinations like cheese, beans, or veggies to make them your own.
- Budget-friendly—wholesale ingredients mean you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Perfect for any meal—enjoy them as a snack, lunch, or dinner, and they’re great for leftovers too!
Recipe
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed corn cakes that are both hearty and delicious. They are typically filled with cheese, beans, or meat, making them a versatile dish for any meal. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to make authentic pupusas at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 cup grated cheese (quesillo, mozzarella, or similar)
- ½ cup refried beans (optional)
- ½ cup cooked and seasoned ground pork or chicken (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add a little more water.
- Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball (approximately 12-15 balls).
- Flatten each ball into a thick disc using your hands. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling (cheese, beans, meat, or a combination) in the center.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to seal it inside, then gently press and shape it into a flat disc, about ¼ inch thick.
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- Cook each pupusa for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa.
Notes:
- Confirm the dough is moist but not sticky. Adjust water or masa harina as needed.
- Customize fillings to your preference, such as adding vegetables or different cheeses.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Serving:
Serves 4-5 people (makes 12-15 pupusas)
Nutrition
Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish made from cornmeal dough filled with cheese, beans, or meat. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per pupusa.
| Nutrient | Amount per Pupusa |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Total Carbs | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 7g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my pupusas with traditional sides like curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw, and a dollop of salsa roja for extra flavor. Pairing them with a cold horchata or a revitalizing agua fresca makes the meal even more satisfying. It’s the perfect combo to make every bite feel authentic and complete.
Traditional Sides
When you’re diving into a plate of pupusas, you’ll want to pair them with sides that bring out their rich flavors and add a little extra crunch or tang. One of my go-to choices is curtido, a tangy slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, all marinated in vinegar and spices. It’s a perfect contrast to the savory pupusas. I also love serving them with a simple tomato salsa or a smooth, mild salsa roja for dipping. And don’t forget the corn tortillas or plantain chips on the side—they add that extra crunch I can’t resist!
Complementary Beverages
After enjoying the tangy crunch of curtido and the smooth dip of salsa with your pupusas, it’s time to think about what to sip alongside them. I love pairing these savory treats with a cold horchata—its creamy, cinnamon-infused sweetness balances the rich flavors perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something fizzy, a cold glass of tamarind soda hits the spot, adding a tangy kick. For a revitalizing twist, try agua fresca made with pineapple or watermelon. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a light Salvadoran beer complements the dish beautifully. Whatever you choose, it’ll make your meal even more memorable!
