Name: Cheesy Bean Pupusas with Tangy Curtido Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Ingredients: 3 cups masa harina; 2 tsp salt; 2 3/4 cups warm water; 15 oz. refried beans; 1 packet chicken seasoning (preferably Goya); 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced; 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced (or 1/2 cup pre-shredded carrots); 1/2 onion, thinly sliced; Salt, to taste; 1/2 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1/2 cup boiling water (or more as needed); 2 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice for frying)

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Introduction

Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish made of corn tortillas stuffed with a flavorful filling. This recipe features a delicious combination of refried beans and cheese, served with a tangy curtido cabbage slaw. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for a comforting meal.

The image shows a pile of small, round arepas with a golden-brown, slightly crispy outside and a light yellow inside, stacked on a white plate. The arepas have uneven, rustic edges and some darker toasted spots on the surface. To the right side of the image, there is a white bowl filled with a mix of shredded green cabbage and orange carrot strips, adding a fresh contrast next to the warm arepas. The whole setting is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups masa harina
2 tsp salt
2 3/4 cups warm water
2 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice; for frying)
15 oz. refried beans
1 packet chicken seasoning (preferably Goya)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/2 head green cabbage (sliced)
1 large carrot (peeled and sliced thinly or 1/2 cup pre-shredded)
1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
Salt to taste
1/2 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1/2 cup boiling water (or more)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the curtido by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sliced cabbage and boil until soft. Reserve 1/2 cup of the boiling water, then drain the rest. Transfer the cabbage to a bowl and mix in the carrot, onion, salt, vinegar, and the reserved hot water. Let it sit while you prepare the pupusas.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the refried beans, chicken seasoning, and shredded cheese. Mix well and set aside for the filling.
Step 3: Make the dough by combining masa harina and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add warm water, about 1 cup at a time, mixing with your hands until the dough forms a soft, pliable consistency similar to play-doh.
Step 4: To assemble, take a small handful of dough and flatten it into a disc with your palms. Lift the edges slightly to create a shallow cup and add 1-2 tablespoons of the bean and cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough edges up around the filling and pinch to seal, then flatten gently back into a disc shape. Repeat until all filling is used.
Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook 3 pupusas at a time for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until crisp and cooked through. Repeat with remaining pupusas.
Step 6: Serve the pupusas warm topped with curtido and, if desired, salsa roja. Enjoy your homemade Salvadoran feast!

Tips & Variations

Use a bit of oil on your hands when shaping the pupusas to prevent sticking.
Try adding cooked pork or loroco flower for a traditional twist on the filling.
For extra tang, let the curtido marinate overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
If you don’t have avocado oil, vegetable or sunflower oil works well for frying.

Storage

Store leftover pupusas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. Keep the curtido separate and serve fresh for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Two pieces of slightly browned, soft flatbread are being pulled apart by both hands, revealing gooey, melted cheese strands stretching between them, with a layer of brownish filling inside that looks like a mix of beans or meat underneath the cheese; the background is a simple white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze pupusas?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked pupusas by shaping them and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

What is curtido?

Curtido is a lightly fermented Salvadoran cabbage slaw made with cabbage, carrots, onions, vinegar, and sometimes spices. It’s served alongside pupusas to add a refreshing, tangy crunch.