Pupusa, El Salvadoran food recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 ¾ cups warm water
• Vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (quesillo or mozzarella)
• Optional: Refried beans or cooked ground meat (pork, beef, or chicken)

For Serving:

• Curtido (pickled cabbage slaw)
• Salsa roja (red sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough until it's smooth and pliable, about 5 minutes. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water; if it's too sticky, add more masa harina.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Pupusas

1. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls (about 2 inches in diameter).
2. Flatten each ball slightly and create a pocket in the center.
3. Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese (and optional fillings like refried beans) into the pocket.
4. Carefully fold the edges over to seal the filling inside, then reshape it into a ball again.
5. Gently flatten each filled ball into a thick disk, about ½ inch thick.

Step 3: Cook the Pupusas

1. Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly oil it.
2. Place the pupusas in the pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Repeat with remaining pupusas, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with curtido and salsa roja on the side for dipping.