Description
Cheese and Bean Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed corn cakes made with masa harina dough filled with a savory mixture of refried beans and melted cheese. These pupusas are lightly crisped on a skillet and served warm, offering a comforting and delicious meal with authentic Latin American flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Filling
- 1 cup refried beans, thick and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually stir in the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms that is moist but not sticky. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, then cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the refried beans with the shredded cheese and chopped onion if using to create a uniform filling mixture.
- Shape the pupusas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten one ball into a disc about 3 inches wide, place 2 tablespoons of the bean and cheese filling in the center, then carefully fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Flatten the filled pupusas: Gently flatten the filled ball between your palms to form a thick disc about 1/2 inch thick, being careful not to let the filling spill out.
- Cook the pupusas: Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the pupusas for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown with lightly crisp spots and heated through.
- Serve: Serve warm with curtido and salsa roja for an authentic Salvadoran experience.
Notes
- If the dough cracks while shaping, wet your hands lightly with water and smooth it out.
- Serve with curtido and salsa roja for a traditional presentation.
- Leftover pupusas can be reheated in a skillet to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Salvadoran
