When it comes to Central American cuisine, few dishes are as iconic or beloved as the pupusa. These small, hand-stuffed tortillas are a staple in El Salvador and other surrounding countries, typically filled with a blend of cheese, beans, and other savory ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a classic snack or a flavorful meal, there’s a pupusa recipe out there for every occasion.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious pupusa recipes that showcase the diversity and versatility of this beloved dish. From traditional fillings like cheese and pork to more adventurous options like zucchini and jalapeño, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of mouthwatering flavors and combinations.
Classic Cheese Pupusas
Discover the rich flavors of El Salvador with these crispy and cheesy pupusas, a staple in Latin American cuisine.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onions, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing 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. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each disk.
5. Fold the dough over the cheese, forming a half-moon shape. Press edges together to seal.
6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch (depending on the number of pupusas)
Pork and Cheese Pupusas
A delicious twist on traditional pupusas, these pork and cheese filled treats are perfect for a quick snack or light meal. With a crispy exterior and gooey cheesy center, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup cooked, diced pork (such as carnitas or shoulder)
– Salt, to taste
– 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 it’s 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 tablespoon of cheese and a spoonful of pork in the center of each disk.
6. Fold the edges up over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press gently to seal.
7. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Fry the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Bean and Cheese Pupusas
Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or meal. This recipe combines creamy cheese with flavorful beans for a tasty and satisfying pupusa.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup black beans, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 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 of mashed beans in the center of each disk.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of cheese on top of the beans.
6. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
7. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
8. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned and crispy.
9. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Loroco Flower Pupusas
This recipe brings together the flavors of El Salvador with a delicious twist on traditional pupusas. Loroco flower pupusas are a unique and mouth-watering treat that combines the earthy taste of loroco flowers with the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional pupusas.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup loroco flowers (dried and chopped)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional: sliced radishes, lime wedges, and salsa for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes pliable and smooth.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Place a tablespoon or two of chopped loroco flowers in the center of each circle.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Cook pupusas on a comal or griddle for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
8. Serve with melted cheese, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and salsa, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicharrón Pupusas
Chicharrón Pupusas: A Delicious Twist on Traditional Salvadoran Cuisine
Pupusas are a staple of Salvadoran cuisine, and adding crispy chicharrón to the filling takes them to the next level. This recipe combines the savory flavor of pork cracklings with the comforting taste of cheese and beans.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pupusa dough
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1/4 cup cooked black beans, mashed
– 1/4 cup chicharrón, crumbled
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pupusa dough according to package instructions.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, mashed black beans, and crumbled chicharrón.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on desired size.
4. Roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle, then place a spoonful of the filling in the center.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado, or sour cream.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Spinach and Cheese Pupusas
These crispy pupusas are filled with a delicious spinach and cheese mixture, perfect for a quick snack or lunch.
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 fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
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 1 tablespoon of spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each disk.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicken Pupusas
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed tortillas that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including chicken. This recipe combines shredded cooked chicken with cheese and spices to create a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
– 1/2 cup grated cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place 1-2 tablespoons of chicken mixture in the center of each pupusa.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 3-4 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp Pupusas
Shrimp Pupusas: A Delicious Twist on a Salvadoran Classic
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed tortillas, typically filled with cheese, beans, or pork. This recipe gives the classic pupusa a seafood spin by adding succulent shrimp to the filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, salt, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the shrimp, vegetable oil, onion, and garlic to the dough. Mix well.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Heat about 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total
Sweet Plantain Pupusas
Sweet Plantain Pupusas Recipe
Transform traditional pupusas with the sweetness of plantains and a hint of spice. These unique savory pastries are perfect for an adventurous snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup cooked black beans, warmed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 pupusa dough balls (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a dry griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together mashed plantains, black beans, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Flatten each pupusa dough ball to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Place about 1 tablespoon of the plantain-black bean mixture onto the center of each dough ball.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together with your fingers.
6. Cook the pupusas on the griddle for 2-3 minutes or until they are lightly browned and crispy.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Zucchini and Cheese Pupusas
Pupusas are a staple of El Salvadorian cuisine, typically filled with beans, cheese, or pork. In this recipe, we’ll give the classic pupusa a refreshing twist by adding shredded zucchini to the mix.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup grated queso fresco or mozzarella cheese
– 1 medium zucchini, shredded
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for cooking
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.
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 shredded zucchini in the center of each disk. Top with grated cheese.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook pupusas for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or shredded lettuce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pineapple and Cheese Pupusas
These sweet and savory pupusas are a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for a snack or light meal. The combination of caramelized pineapple and melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together pineapple, honey, and cumin.
3. Place a tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Add 1/4 cup of the pineapple mixture on half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Mushroom Pupusas
These savory pupusas are filled with sautéed mushrooms and cheese, perfect for a quick snack or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup grated cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt 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 it becomes pliable.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces.
4. Roll out each piece into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
5. Place 1 tablespoon of sautéed mushrooms and 1 tablespoon of cheese 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. Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Black Bean Pupusas
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran corn flour flatbread stuffed with various fillings, and black beans make a delicious and savory choice. This recipe yields 4-6 pupusas perfect for a snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling:
+ 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
+ 1 tablespoon chopped onion
+ 1 clove garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place about 1 tablespoon of black bean filling in the center of each disk.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press edges together.
7. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
8. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Jalapeño and Cheese Pupusas
Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran corn flour dough stuffed with various fillings, and we’re giving them a spicy kick by adding jalapeños to the mix. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their snack game.
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
– 2-3 sliced jalapeños
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the masa harina and warm water until you get a dough-like consistency.
2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Flatten each ball slightly and place a spoonful of cheese in the center.
5. Add sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese.
6. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.
7. Fry the pupusas in hot oil for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Avocado Pupusas
Get ready to experience a flavorful twist on traditional pupusas with the creamy richness of avocado!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
2. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into disk shapes.
3. Place a tablespoon of mashed avocado in the center of each disk. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or shredded lettuce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Pupusas
These sweet and savory pupusas are perfect for the fall season, filled with roasted pumpkin, cheese, and spices. Serve them as a snack or appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup shredded queso fresco
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and warm water. Mix until dough forms.
2. Divide dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
3. Place a spoonful of roasted pumpkin puree in the center of each disk. Top with shredded queso fresco, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges together to seal.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Garlic Butter Pupusas
Discover the delicious fusion of Salvadoran pupusas with a twist – garlic butter! This recipe combines crispy, cheesy pupusas with the rich flavors of garlic and butter.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup grated queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and warm water. Knead until dough forms.
2. Divide dough into 4-6 portions, depending on desired pupusa size.
3. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
4. Place 1/4 cup cheese in center of each circle.
5. Fold dough over cheese to form a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
7. In a small bowl, mix garlic and butter. Brush mixture onto cooked pupusas.
8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or sauces.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Corn Pupusas
Sweet Corn Pupusas Recipe
Experience the flavors of El Salvador with these sweet corn pupusas, a twist on the traditional savory version.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet corn
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add the vegetable oil and warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Place 1-2 tablespoons of sweet corn and cheese (if using) onto one half of the disk.
7. Fold the other half over to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
8. Cook pupusas in boiling water for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the delicious world of pupusas with this collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes! From classic cheese and pork and cheese combinations, to more adventurous options like loroco flower, chicharrón, and jalapeño and cheese, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try new flavors or just want to satisfy your snack cravings, these pupusa recipes are sure to please. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the taste of El Salvador with these delectable pupusas!