The Most Delicious Pupusa Recipe

This pupusa recipe is a thick griddle cake made with corn flour and stuffed with a cheesy blend of goodness. The pupusas are served with Salvadoran staples such as salsa roja and curtido (spicy cabbage slaw).

You have to make this Curtido Recipe to top these pupusas. Also, if you enjoy this, then I think you will enjoy other international dishes like this rich Mexican stew, Pozole Rojo, and Beef Birria QuesaTacos con Consomé!

The first time I tried an authentic pupusa recipe, I fell in love with the cheesy, savory filling sandwiched between a warm, fluffy flatbread. I HAD to recreate this in my own kitchen so I could enjoy it whenever I got the craving.

They can seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you learn how to make the most delicious pupusa recipe, you will make it all the time. Then you can really have fun trying different filling combinations!

WHAT IS A PUPUSA?

Pupusas are the national dish of El Salvador. They are griddle cakes made with either cornmeal or rice flour and are typically filled with a variety of beans, cheese, and pork.

They are a delicious, affordable meal that the whole family can enjoy. You can fill them with whatever you want so it is perfect for even the pickiest eaters. And the kids can even help assemble them!

GATHER YOUR INGREDIENTS FOR THIS PUPUSA RECIPE:

These spinach, bean, and cheese pupusas are a vegetarian crowd-pleaser! You are just a few ingredients away from a delicious meal.

DOUGH

• Masa harina (corn flour such as Maseca)
• Salt
• Water, room temperature

SPINACH AND CHEESE FILLING

• Spinach, chopped
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Optional seasonings: Salt and black pepper

BEAN AND CHEESE FILLING

• Refried beans (frijoles)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Optional seasonings: Salt and black pepper

MAKING THE PUPUSAS

• Oil to rub on your hands

HOW TO MAKE PUPUSAS:

Make the Pupusa Dough

Add room temperature water and masa to a medium-sized bowl. Begin to mix it by hand to form a dough.

Separate into Balls

Grab a golf ball-sized amount of the masa and begin to form it into a ball. Then use your fingers to create a hole in the center of the dough. The dough should resemble a small bowl.

Prepare the Fillings

Hand mix the cheese and spinach until it has a doughy consistency. Do the same with the refried beans and additional cheese.

Add the Filling

Add equal amounts of the cheese-spinach mixture and the refried beans to the inside of the masa.

Close the pupusa using your hands. Remove any extra dough.

Flatten the Pupusas

Wet your hands with water or oil to prevent the pupusa from breaking. Then use both hands in a clapping motion to flatten the dough into a thick disc shape.

Cook and Serve

Add oil to your griddle or pan. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sides begin to brown. Then flip them and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Repeat this process until they are all done. Serve and enjoy!

TIPS FOR MAKING A PAPUSA:

• If the pupusa begins to break after you fill it, just try to pinch it together to seal it as best as you can.
• Periodically oil your hands in order to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
• Save time by preparing your filling/s the day before.
• Keep the finished pupusas warm while you cook the rest by placing them in an oven (200 degrees should be sufficient).

PUPUSA RECIPE FILLING VARIATIONS:

The options for pupusa fillings are endless!

• Spicy: Add jalapenos for more spice.
• Cheesy: I used mozzarella cheese but any cheese that melts well will do. So alternatively you could use Monterey jack or queso Oaxaca.
• Meaty: For a heartier pupusa, add meat like chicharron (pork), ground beef, carnitas, chicken, or chorizo. The meat should be chopped fine so that it fits in the dough.
• Veggies: For some added nutrition, add vegetables like squash, zucchini, or cauliflower.

MAKING PUPUSAS AHEAD OF TIME

If you know ahead of time that you'd like to have some leftovers, freeze assembled (but not yet cooked pupusas) for later. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer so they can firm up.

Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. When you want to cook them, place them directly on the skillet. They just need an additional minute or two of cooking time.

FAQ ABOUT THE PAPUSA RECIPE:

What do you eat with pupusas?

Pupusas are usually served with curtido (a pickled slaw) and salsa roja (a spicy red sauce).

What's the difference between a pupusa and an arepa?

Pupusas are larger and flatter than arepas. But the cooking process is also different. Pupusas are cooked with the filling while arepas are stuffed after cooking. And while both are made using corn flour, arepas are made with masarepa (a precooked flour) and pupusas are made with masa harina.

How should I store leftover pupusas?

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat them, place them on a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a  shoutout!