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How To Make Pupusas At Home (Plus an extra recipe for Curtido)

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Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed tortillas that are soft, thick, and filled with cheese, beans, and chicken ham. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they are easy to make at home and highly customizable to suit any taste.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup refried beans (homemade or canned)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
  • ½ cup diced chicken ham
  • Optional: finely chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach
  • Oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Adjust water or masa harina as needed.
  2. Divide the dough into golf ball–sized portions.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the refried beans, shredded cheese, and diced chicken ham. Add optional vegetables if desired.
  4. Flatten a dough ball into a 3-inch disc. Place a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold edges over the filling and pinch to seal. Gently flatten into a thick disc about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil. Cook pupusas for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with curtido and tomato sauce.

Notes

Keep dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying while shaping pupusas.

For extra flavor, mix spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder into the filling.

Pupusas can be frozen before cooking; add a few minutes to cooking time when using frozen.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 15