Pupusas are the national dish of El Salvador. They are basically thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, pork meat, refried beans or a combination of the three. Once you master these ones you’ll have to give bean and cheese pupusas a try!
My very best friend is from El Salvador and so I wanted to surprise her with some pupusas.
Pupusas are very easy to make once you get the hang of it.
In fact they are very similar to gorditas and arepas.
You can read more about the differences between gorditas, arepas and pupusas here.
I had to make them four times in order to get them just right.
The first time the masa was too dry and was cracking.
The second and third time I had a hard time getting enough cheese in them and closing them.
The fourth however was a success.
Therefore today I’m going to show you exactly how to make pupusas!
Pupusa Ingredients
- 2 cups Maseca
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- mozzarella cheese
- oil
You should be able to find Maseca in your local grocery store.
As for the mozzarella cheese this is hands down my favorite kind. It melts amazingly. I highly recommend you use this one.
How to Make Pupusas Recipe
Add the 2 cups of Maseca to a mixing bowl and add the salt.
Now slowly add the water while mixing with your hands.
You should have a moist soft dough.
Divide the dough into 6 even sized balls.
For the next part I used a ziploc bag. I cut through the sides of the bag basically making a flap. This makes it so easy to put the dough balls inside and flatten them. The plastic prevents the dough from sticking to the pot or your hands.
I used a heavy pot to flatten the ball.
Now put as much cheese as you can on top of the flattened dough.
Now fold it as if you were making an empanada. Use the plastic bag to help you do this.
Now shape it back into a ball. You can use the plastic bag to help you do this. The ball does not have to be perfect.
What I do is take the two ends and kind of push them in and up in order to make a ball.
See it’s totally not a perfect ball but it works.
Put the flap back over the ball because now we are going to flatten this ball again.
Don’t make the pupusa too flat. It shouldn’t be like a tortilla. They should be thick like the one shown below.
Heat up a skillet over medium heat. Coat the skillet with some oil. I don’t use a lot of oil just enough to keep the pupusas from sticking.
Once the oil is hot add the pupusa.
Cook the pupusa for about 3- 4 minutes then flip it and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until nicely browned and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked pupusa to a paper towel lined plate and repeat the above steps with the remaining five balls.
Add oil as needed to keep the pupusas from sticking.
What to Serve with Pupusas?
Pupusas are commonly served with curtido.
Curtido is a delicious slaw that goes perfectly with the pupusas.
Pupusas
Pupusas are great anytime of the day!
They’re so good you won’t want to share!
Don’t forget to join the Latin American Foodies Facebook group where you can share photos and recipes of the delicious food you make at home!
If you enjoyed learning how to make pupusas please don’t forget to give it a rating below.
Thank you!!
How to Make Pupusas
Pupusas are a delicious dish that comes from El Salvador.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Maseca
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups water water
- mozzarella cheese
- vegetable oil
Instructions
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Add the Maseca and salt to a mixing bowl and mix well.
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Slowly add the warm water to the bowl and mix with your hand until you have a moist and soft dough.
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Divide the dough into 6 even sized balls.
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Cut through the sides of a ziploc bag making a flap. Then put one of the dough balls inside the bag.
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Use a heavy pot to flatten the ball.
-
Put as much cheese that will fit on top of the flattened ball.
-
Fold the dough as if making an empanada. Use the plastic bag to help you do this.
-
Shape it back into a ball. Use the bag to help you do this.
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Put the flap back over the ball and flatten again. It shouldn’t be thin like a tortilla. They should be thick.
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Heat up a skillet over medium heat.
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Coat the pot with enough oil to keep the pupusa from sticking.
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Once the oil is hot add the pupusa and cook for 3-4 minutes. Then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the pupusa is nicely browned and cooked through.
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Transfer the pupusa to a paper towel lined plate and repeat the above steps with the remaining five balls.
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Add more oil as needed to keep the pupusas from sticking.
Maria Grimes says
My soon to be daughter in law is from El Salvador and I would love to make pupusa for her. Can they be made in advance and reheated,? They so much!
Carissa says
Hi Maria, while I do think they taste best right after making, I have definitely reheated them plenty of times and they still taste good.
Suzanna says
LOVED THIS RECIPE! The douGH TURNED OUT GREAT! I ADDED CHEESE AND BLACK BEANS IN MINE. THEY WERE DELICIOUS! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE EASY STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS. I COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER RECIPE AND INSTRUCTION FOR MY FIRST TIME MAKING THESE! SUPER HAPPY!
Carissa says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them and found the directions easy!
Sheree says
With being on lockdown because of the pandemic, I decided to learn how to make pupusas. I tried another recipe and it didn’t hit the spot – wasn’t quite right. Searched Google again and found your recipe. I cut it in half since the hubster didn’t want any but wish I made a full batch. The changes I made was using a different brand masa, added chicken bouillon to the masa, and added chopped jalapenos in with the cheese. These were so good and can’t wait to make them again. Will have to try your curtido recipe next time.
Lynn says
Tha you for showing me how easy it looks. I will try making them. I love pupusa and it is hard to find restaurants or tacos trucks to have them. I will try master this. So I can have them when I won’t some.
Carissa says
You’re welcome, I hope you enjoy them!
carol says
Can you substitute the maseca for something else. I am unable to buy it here
Carissa says
Hi, it doesn’t have to be Maseca. That is just the brand I typically like to use. You can totally buy a different brand.
Wendy says
Excellent recipe!!
the dough was the perfect consistency, and your method/instructions were easy to follow. My papusas came out perfect!!
Carissa says
Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed them!