Authentic Salvadoran Cheese and Bean Pupusas Recipe with Cabbage Slaw
Discover the mouthwatering world of Salvadoran cuisine with these irresistible cheese and bean pupusas. These thick, stuffed tortillas are a perfect blend of crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling. Topped with a zesty cabbage slaw, they’re sure to become your new favorite comfort food!
Pupusas are like the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, but with a Latin American twist. The corn flour dough envelops a heavenly combination of melted cheese and savory refried beans, creating a pocket of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer or a satisfying main course, these pupusas are guaranteed to impress.
Mastering the Art of Pupusa-Making
Don’t be intimidated by the process – making pupusas is easier than you think! The dough comes together in minutes, and shaping the pupusas is a fun, hands-on experience. Think of it as edible pottery: you’ll create a small bowl, fill it with deliciousness, and then seal it up into a perfect pocket of joy. With a little practice, you’ll be a pupusa pro in no time!
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
These cheese and bean pupusas are perfect for any meal or gathering. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next party, enjoy them as a satisfying lunch, or make them the star of your weeknight dinner. The best part? You can prepare the components ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe masa dough
- 1 recipe perfect refried beans, cooled
- 2 cups shredded queso Oaxaca or mozzarella
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 recipe quick curtido (cabbage slaw)
- Hot sauce and lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Directions
- With damp hands, divide the masa dough into 15 golf ball-sized portions. Place them on a baking sheet and cover with a moist towel. Working one at a time, use your thumb to create a deep indent in each ball, then gently work it into a small ‘bowl’ shape with 1/4-inch-thick edges.
- Fill each dough ‘bowl’ with about 1 heaping tablespoon of refried beans, followed by 1 heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese. Carefully bring the edges of the dough together to enclose the filling, pinching to seal. Roll the filled dough in your hands to reshape it into a ball. Gently flatten the ball into a round disc about 4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. If the edges crack, smooth them with a damp finger. Place the formed pupusas on a baking sheet and keep covered with a towel as you work. Repeat with the remaining dough and fillings.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pupusas in batches. Cook until well-browned and crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked pupusas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the hot pupusas on plates, generously topped with curtido (cabbage slaw). For an extra kick, offer hot sauce and lime wedges on the side.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pupusas
- Keep your hands slightly damp while working with the masa dough to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overstuff your pupusas – it may be tempting, but it will make them harder to seal and cook evenly.
- For the best texture, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pupusas.
- Experiment with different fillings once you’ve mastered the basic technique – try chorizo, chicken, or even vegetarian options like squash or spinach!
Make-Ahead Magic
Love planning ahead? You’re in luck! The masa dough freezes beautifully. After forming the dough balls, place extras on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for one hour. Then, transfer them to a zipper-lock bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months. To use, simply defrost the masa balls at room temperature for about 15 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 15 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 370 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 20g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat 9g | 43% |
| Cholesterol 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium 607mg | 26% |
| Total Carbohydrate 33g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 18% |
| Total Sugars 4g | |
| Protein 16g | |
| Vitamin C 6mg | 28% |
| Calcium 410mg | 32% |
| Iron 1mg | 6% |
| Potassium 250mg | 5% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
A Taste of El Salvador in Your Kitchen
By making these cheese and bean pupusas, you’re not just creating a delicious meal – you’re also exploring the rich culinary heritage of El Salvador. These humble yet flavorful stuffed tortillas have been a staple of Salvadoran cuisine for centuries, and now you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a tasty adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Central America!