Pupusas

November 7, 2012

If you read that title and thought, “What the heck is that?” Boy do I have a treat for you. Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran thick tortilla that is usually filled with some kind of cheese or shredded meat.

I will let that sink in a little bit while I talk to those who already are familiar with this glorious dish.

If you read the title of this post and thought, “Yes! I can finally make my own at home now!” then we should be best friends. I should have you over for brunch right away. I will make pupusas and top them with fresh poached eggs, some lemony greens, and a good coating of hot sauce.

What’s that you say? You will bring the bloody mary’s? Why, how nice of you! I knew we would get along swimmingly!

Ok, now that the rest of you have had a moment to understand the awesomeness of this recipe and the potential variety of fillings for this dough recipe, would you like to come over for brunch too?

Pupusas

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Author Sarcastic Cooking

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Masa de Harina
  • 1 ½ Cup Cold Water
  • 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter or Vegetable Shortening
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 1 Cup Crumbled Queso Fresco
  • Butter for the Pan

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the masa, water, and salt. Cut in the butter or shortening using a pastry blender, food processor, or two knives, until the butter/shortening is the size of a pea.
  2. Give the dough a small knead and form it into a disc. Turn the disc out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for ten minutes.
  3. Roll the dough out until about ¼ inch thick. Don’t worry about the shape. Cut the dough into 16, 3 ½ inch circles.
  4. Sprinkle eight of the circles with a bit of queso fresco. Take the eight remaining circles of dough and cover the queso, slightly press down into the cheese, and pinch the edges together.
  5. Heat a bit of butter on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium/high heat until it melts. Add each pupusa, one at a time, to the pan and cook for about three minutes each side until golden brown and a bit crispy.
  6. Let cool on a paper towel until ready to serve.

If you can’t make it for brunch, try pressing some of this adobo pork in the middle of the dough. Top with some beans and cheese—dinner made in heaven!

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  • Julie
    November 7, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    It looks great!!! Will try soon..

  • Gloria
    November 7, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    When I got the email and saw Pupusas, I was like nice but look so different than what I am used to. I am Salvadorian and my mom’s pupusas are different as you said they ether have cheese or shredded pork and potato. I have to say that as much I love my moms traditional pupusa I am definitely going to give this one a try because it looks so good. As you may know the art of making tortillas or pupusa is difficult by hand, this way is more simple and easy to do. Thanks

  • Anita at Hungry Couple
    November 7, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    I’m definitely coming for brunch! I will bring cocktails. You will make me pupusas.

  • cheri
    November 7, 2012 at 9:11 am

    that looks absolutely heavenly! it would be perfectly paired with homemade refried black beans IMHO.