Pupusas are a traditional dish from El Salvador that many people love. These tasty corn tortillas are usually stuffed with cheese, refried beans, or other delicious fillings. Making pupusas at home is easier than you think! This recipe is fun to follow and results in warm, cheesy treats that everyone will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Making easy pupusas is a great way to bring a taste of Central America into your kitchen. They are simple to prepare, customizable with your favorite fillings, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they pair well with a variety of sides like salsa or curtido, making them ideal for any meal.
How to Make Easy Pupusas
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter or lard, softened
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Oaxaca cheese
- 1 cup refried beans (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the masa harina, chicken bouillon granules (if using), and salt.
- Gradually add the boiling water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Stir in the softened butter or lard until well incorporated.
- Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal portions.
- Flatten each portion into a circle, place your choice of filling in the center, and fold the dough over to enclose the filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the pupusas for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Serve the pupusas warm with a side of salsa or curtido.
How to Serve Easy Pupusas
Serve your delicious pupusas warm right out of the skillet. They taste great on their own but are even better with sides like salsa, curtido, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy them as a snack or as part of a meal!
How to Store Easy Pupusas
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze pupusas for up to a month. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Tips to Make Easy Pupusas
- Make sure to use hot boiling water when mixing the dough. This helps achieve the right consistency.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add spices like cumin or garlic to the dough.
Variation
You can change up the fillings of your pupusas based on your preferences. Some popular options include diced vegetables, seasoned meat, or different types of cheese. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
FAQs
1. Can I make pupusas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of masa harina?
Masa harina is recommended for the best texture, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular cornmeal as a substitute. The flavor will be different, but it’s a workable alternative.
3. Are pupusas gluten-free?
Yes! Since pupusas are made with masa harina, which is made from corn, they are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any additional ingredients like cheese or sauces.
Easy Pupusas
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ to 2 cups boiling water Use hot boiling water for best results.
- 2 tablespoons butter or lard, softened
- Vegetable oil (for cooking) For frying.
Fillings (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Oaxaca cheese
- 1 cup refried beans Optional filling.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the masa harina, chicken bouillon granules (if using), and salt.
- Gradually add the boiling water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Stir in the softened butter or lard until well incorporated.
- Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal portions.
- Flatten each portion into a circle, place your choice of filling in the center, and fold the dough over to enclose the filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the pupusas for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
Serving
- Serve the pupusas warm with a side of salsa or curtido.
