Are you ready to take your pupusa game to the next level? Look no further! Pupusas are a staple of Salvadoran cuisine, and when done right, they can be a delicious and satisfying treat. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouth-watering pupusa recipes that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
From classic cheese to creative combinations like jalapeño and cheese or spinach and cheese, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a filling meal, these pupusa recipes are sure to become new favorites. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and get ready to experience the flavors of El Salvador!
Classic Cheese Pupusas
A staple of Salvadoran cuisine, pupusas are savory stuffed tortillas filled with melted cheese and other delicious ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to make classic cheese pupusas at home.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded queso fresco or mozzarella cheese
• Optional: chopped onion, garlic, and/or cilantro for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together masa harina and warm water 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 1/4 cup of shredded cheese in the center of each disk.
6. Fold the dough over the cheese, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Cook pupusas in a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Revueltas Pupusas (Cheese, Beans, and Pork)
This traditional Salvadoran dish is a flavorful blend of cheese, beans, and pork stuffed inside thick corn tortillas. Revueltas pupusas are a staple in El Salvador and a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 cup cooked pork, shredded
+ 1 cup refried beans
+ 1 cup grated cheese (Oaxaca or mozzarella)
+ 1/4 cup chopped onion
+ 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt to taste
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.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place about 1/4 cup of filling in the center of each disk.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
7. Cook pupusas on a griddle or frying pan with vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loroco and Cheese Pupusas
Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or main course. This recipe combines the flavors of loroco (a type of flower) with melted cheese for a delicious twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pupusa dough
– 1/4 cup loroco flowers, chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a comal or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Divide the pupusa dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on desired size.
3. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place a tablespoon of chopped loroco in the center of each disk.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the loroco.
6. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush the tops with vegetable oil and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Chicharrón Pupusas
Experience the flavors of El Salvador with these crispy pupusas filled with savory chicharrón, a fried pork rind dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 cup cooked chicharrón (fried pork rinds), crumbled
+ 1/4 cup chopped onion
+ 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
+ 1 lime, juiced
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly.
4. Place about 1/4 cup of chicharrón mixture onto one half of the pupusa, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Fold the other half over to form a half-moon shape and press edges together to seal.
6. Cook pupusas in boiling water for 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface.
7. Drain and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Black Bean and Cheese Pupusas
These traditional El Salvadoran pupusas are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. Filled with tender black beans, melted cheese, and wrapped in crispy masa harina, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried black beans, cooked
– 1/2 cup masa harina
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked black beans, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Divide the masa harina into 4-6 equal portions, depending on desired pupusa size.
3. Add a tablespoon or two of warm water to each portion of masa harina. Knead until pliable and smooth.
4. Place a spoonful of black bean mixture onto the center of each masa harina ball. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Fold the masa over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press edges together to seal.
6. Cook pupusas on a comal or griddle over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado, or sour cream.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes total
Spinach and Cheese Pupusas
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these crispy, cheesy, and spinach-filled pupusas!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional: chopped onion, garlic, or bell pepper for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes pliable and smooth.
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 about 1 tablespoon of chopped spinach and 1/2 cup shredded cheese in the center of each disk.
7. Fold the edges of the pupusa over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press gently to seal.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or dips!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pupusas de Ayote (Squash Pupusas)
Pupusas de Ayote, or Squash Pupusas, are a delicious and traditional Salvadoran dish that combines the flavors of roasted squash with the crispy goodness of pupusa dough. This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a must-try for any pupusa lover.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup roasted squash puree (see notes)
– Vegetable shortening or lard, as needed
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and warm water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
2. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place a tablespoon of roasted squash puree 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. Cook pupusas on a comal or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Butter Pupusas
Elevate your pupusa game with this simple and flavorful recipe, combining the richness of garlic butter with the traditional El Salvadoran dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Optional: shredded cheese, diced chicken or beans for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and warm water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
2. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
3. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
4. Place a pupusa on the skillet and brush with the garlic butter mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and slightly puffed.
5. Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced chicken or beans.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on number of pupusas)
Jalapeño and Cheese Pupusas
A twist on the classic Salvadoran pupusa, this recipe adds a spicy kick from jalapeños to the traditional cheese filling. Perfect for snacking or as a meal accompaniment.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup grated queso fresco (or mozzarella)
– 2-3 sliced jalapeños
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
3. Place 1-2 tablespoons of cheese and jalapeño slices in the center of each disk. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shredded Chicken Pupusas
Savor the flavors of El Salvador with these crispy, cheesy pupusas filled with tender shredded chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup grated queso fresco or mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado
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 it becomes 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 shredded chicken 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 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pupusas de Queso con Loroco
Experience the flavors of El Salvador with this traditional pupusa recipe, filled with melted cheese and crispy loroco (pandanus leaves).
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup shredded queso fresco or mozzarella
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Loroco leaves, cleaned and cut into small pieces (about 1 tablespoon per pupusa)
– Optional: chicharrón (fried pork rinds) or curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Place a spoonful of cheese in the center of each disk.
7. Add loroco leaves on top of the cheese.
8. Fold the edges of the pupusa over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
9. Cook pupusas in a dry griddle or frying pan for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and crispy.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes per batch
Enjoy your delicious Pupusas de Queso con Loroco!
Sweet Plantain Pupusas
Sweet Plantain Pupusas Recipe
Experience the warm flavors of Latin America with these sweet plantain pupusas, a twist on traditional Salvadoran tamales.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains, mashed
– 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed plantains, masa harina, salt, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
3. Add vegetable oil, shredded coconut, sugar, and chopped pecans (if using). Mix well.
4. Form the mixture into small patties, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Cook pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as honey, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pupusas de Frijol con Queso
Experience the authentic flavors of El Salvador with these tender and cheesy bean-filled pupusas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans, mashed
– 1/2 cup masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup shredded queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed black beans, masa harina, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each pupusa.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re lightly browned and crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pupusas de Chicharrón y Queso
Discover the flavors of El Salvador with this delicious pupusa recipe, filled with crispy chicharrón and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 pound chicharrón (fried pork rinds)
– 1 cup shredded quesillo cheese (Salvadoran cheese)
– Optional: chopped cilantro, onion, and/or sour cream for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry pupusas for 30-40 seconds on each side, until lightly browned.
4. Meanwhile, warm the chicharrón by frying it in a little oil or baking it in the oven until crispy.
5. To assemble the pupusas, place a spoonful of melted cheese onto a fried pupusa, followed by a few pieces of warmed chicharrón.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes (including frying time)
Pupusas de Espinaca y Queso
A traditional Salvadoran dish, Pupusas de Espinaca y Queso is a flavorful and savory treat that combines the freshness of spinach with the creaminess of cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
3. Flatten each piece into a small disk shape.
4. Place 1 tablespoon of chopped spinach and 1/2 tablespoon of crumbled cheese onto one half of the disk.
5. Fold the other half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with vegetable oil and cook on a griddle or dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pupusas de Pollo y Queso
Pupusas de Pollo y Queso Recipe
A delicious twist on the traditional Salvadoran pupusa, this recipe combines juicy chicken and melted cheese inside a crispy corn tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 pound cooked, shredded chicken breast
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa
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 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 a tablespoon or two of shredded chicken in the center of each disk, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
6. Fold the tortilla over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press edges together to seal.
7. Cook pupusas on a griddle or frying pan with vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
8. Serve hot with your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pupusas de Camarón (Shrimp Pupusas)
Discover the savory flavors of El Salvador with these mouthwatering shrimp pupusas, a popular street food. This recipe brings together tender shrimp, crispy corn dough, and creamy cheese for an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup masa harina
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup shredded queso fresco or mozzarella
– 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
– Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, 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. Divide into 8 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of chopped shrimp in the center of each pupusa.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal.
6. Brush both sides with vegetable oil and cook on a griddle or skillet over medium heat for 30-40 seconds per side, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Veggie Pupusas with Zucchini and Cheese
These crispy, cheesy pupusas are a twist on the traditional Salvadoran dish, filled with sautéed zucchini and melted cheese. Perfect as a snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 medium zucchini, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, cheese, and cilantro.
2. Gradually add water while stirring with your hands until the mixture forms a dough.
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. Brush both sides of the pupusa with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook on a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes total cooking time.
