Corn meal pancakes (pork and cheese Pupusa) - Salvadoran street food recipe

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber while cornmeal is more affordable.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds flavor.

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Chicken is leaner while ground beef is often less expensive.

refried beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Black beans are nutritious and canned beans save time.

Prepare fatty pork (pork belly) and remove all moisture from the pork.

Pour plenty of oil into the frying pan.

Fry the fatty part of the pork first until fully cooked, then cook the other side.

Grate mozzarella cheese.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the grated cheese and mix well.

In a bowl, combine 3 cups of corn powder, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 2 cups of water. Mix roughly without kneading a lot.

Prepare oil-water by mixing 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.

Apply oil-water to your hands to prevent the dough from sticking.

Divide the dough into about 9 balls, using 8 for Pupusa and 1 for filling any holes.

Press the middle of each ball-shaped dough to flatten it.

Fill the center of the flattened dough with the cheese and pork mixture using a small spoon.

Press down on the filling and gather the edges of the dough to seal it, forming a ball again.

Flatten the ball while changing the direction of your hands to create a round flatbread.

Make sure to apply oil to your hands often to prevent sticking.

Cook the Pupusa over medium heat until it turns slightly black and is well cooked.

If using cast-iron, turn it upside down while scratching the bottom of the plate to check for doneness.

Once cooked, remove the Pupusa carefully to prevent breaking.

Serve Pupusa with curtido and salsa, and eat it right away.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: