Pupusas
Pupusas are a type of thick corn tortilla that are filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, beans, pork, or a combination of different fillings. They are then cooked on a griddle and often served with a tangy tomato and chili salsa called Curtido. Pupusas are a staple food in El Salvador and are enjoyed by many as a staple food in Salvadorean cuisine.

Here is a simple recipe for making traditional cheese pupusas at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or queso fresco)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and warm water. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball. Knead the dough for a few minutes to ensure that it is well mixed.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
- Take a portion of the dough and flatten it into a small disc about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center of the disc.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese, forming a ball.
- Gently flatten the ball into a disc again, being careful not to let the cheese escape.
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the pupusas on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve the pupusas hot, with curtido ( Salvadoran traditional sauce) on the side.
You can also try different fillings such as beans, pork, or chicken to make different variations of pupusas.
Enjoy!
Tips for preparation of Pupusas
Here is a simple recipe for making traditional cheese pupusas at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or queso fresco)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and warm water. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball. Knead the dough for a few minutes to ensure that it is well mixed.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
- Take a portion of the dough and flatten it into a small disc about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center of the disc.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese, forming a ball.
- Gently flatten the ball into a disc again, being careful not to let the cheese escape.
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the pupusas on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve the pupusas hot, with curtido ( Salvadoran traditional sauce) on the side.
You can also try different fillings such as beans, pork, or chicken to make different variations of pupusas.
Enjoy!
Pupusas serving size
When serving pupusas as a main dish, a serving size of 2 pupusas per person is considered appropriate, which can be served with a side of curtido or a simple salad.
Pupusas nutrition value
for a standard serving size of 2 pupusas (about 4 oz) made with the recipe provided earlier:
- Calories: Approximately 360
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 12g