Pupusa (El Salvador)
Pupusa is a traditional Salvadoran dish that captures the heart and soul of El Salvador’s culinary heritage. These thick corn tortillas are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, beans, or seasoned meats, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. In El Salvador, pupusas are a symbol of national pride, and they are so beloved that the country celebrates National Pupusa Day on the second Sunday of November. Families often gather to prepare and share pupusas together, making it a communal experience filled with laughter and connection.
CURTIDO
- ½ head green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 1 small white onion, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1L boiling water
- 250ml white vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsps kosher salt
CHICHARRÓN
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 450g boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch (2-cm) cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small white onion, diced
FILLING
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (100g)
- 1 cup refried bean (240 g), cooked
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
PUPUSA DOUGH
- 450g masa harina
- 2 tsps salt
- 3 cups cold water(720 mL)
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced onion, and grated carrots. Pour boiling water over the vegetables and let them sit for 1-2 minutes. Drain the water and mix in the vinegar, dried oregano, and kosher salt. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving. For the best flavour, refrigerate overnight.
Step 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder cubes and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3
Add the diced tomato, green bell pepper, and onion. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
Step 5
Divide the dough into 10-12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick. Place a small spoonful of cheese and refried beans in the center of each disk. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to seal. Gently flatten the filled dough back into a disk shape.
Step 6
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and brush it with a small amount of vegetable oil. Cook each pupusa for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
