How To Make Pupusas - Pork and Cheese Pupusas with Curtido and Salsa

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Chicken is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories, while processed cheese is often more affordable.

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornmeal is usually cheaper.

refried beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Black beans are nutritious, and canned beans save time.

Make the curtido: In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, onion, and carrots. Pour the boiling water over the vegetables and toss. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oregano, and salt; pour over the slaw and toss to coat. Transfer to an airtight container and chill at least 20 minutes (overnight best).

Make the salsa: Add tomatoes, garlic, onion, jalapeños (optional), oregano, and salt to a food processor; process until smooth. Transfer to a skillet over medium heat and cook 5–6 minutes until slightly reduced. Set aside.

Make the chicharrón: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add pork shoulder and salt; cook 15 minutes without disturbing (reduce heat to medium if browning too fast). Turn and cook 10 minutes more, or until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a food processor; add tomato, green bell pepper, and onion. Pulse to a thick paste (not watery).

Make the masa: In a large bowl, whisk masa harina and salt. Add cold water and mix by hand until a smooth, clay-like dough forms. Keep a small bowl of water with a little oil nearby to moisten fingers while working.

Fill and shape: Pinch off a golf-ball sized portion of dough; roll into a ball and flatten into a round. Add ½ tablespoon chicharrón paste, 1 teaspoon refried beans, and 1 teaspoon mozzarella (if not mixed into the meat). Fold dough over the filling to seal completely, then pat into a disk. Patch any cracks with a bit of dough and oil.

Cook: Heat a large pan or griddle over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, then cook 2–3 pupusas at a time for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and warmed through. Repeat with remaining pupusas.

Serve: Plate pupusas with curtido and salsa roja. Enjoy! Buen Provecho!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens