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Pupusa Cooking Guide

Discover the joy of making authentic Salvadoran pupusas with this easy guide. Perfect for any occasion, filled with cheese, beans, and a tangy curtido topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups masa harina
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or oil of choice for frying
  • 15 oz refried beans
  • 1 packet chicken seasoning (preferably Goya)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 head green cabbage, sliced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced thinly (or use 1 cup pre-shredded carrots)
  • to taste salt
  • 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup boiling water or more

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Damp dish towel

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sliced cabbage; cook until softened (5-7 minutes).
  2. Reserve 1 cup of the boiling water, drain the rest, and transfer the boiled cabbage to a large bowl.
  3. Add sliced carrots, onion, salt, vinegar, and reserved hot water to the cabbage; mix well and let it sit to ferment.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine refried beans, chicken seasoning, and shredded mozzarella cheese; stir until smooth and set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt; gradually add warm water until the dough is pliable and not too sticky.
  6. Take a small handful of dough and flatten it into a disc; place 1-2 tablespoons of the bean and cheese mixture into the center.
  7. Fold the edges over the filling to form a ball; then flatten it back into a disc and repeat with the remaining mixture.
  8. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat; cook 3 pupusas at a time for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Serve hot with a generous helping of curtido on top and optional salsa roja if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This pupusa recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings. Enjoy the delightful flavors of El Salvador!
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