Pupusas with Refried Beans and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Pupusas are a delicious traditional Salvadoran dish made from masa harina dough filled with beans and cheese. They are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and best enjoyed fresh with tangy curtido and vibrant salsa roja.

Ingredients

• 4 cups masa harina
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 Tablespoons softened butter (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon Chicken Base (or 1 bouillon cube)
• 15 oz can refried beans (or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Oaxaca cheese)
• 1 recipe salsa roja
• 1 recipe curtido

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add masa harina and salt to a large mixing bowl. Slowly add warm water while mixing the dough with your hand until it reaches a soft, play-dough-like consistency. Stir in softened butter and chicken bouillon.
2. Step 2: Divide the dough into golf-ball-size portions, dipping your hands in an oil and water mixture if the dough sticks. Keep the dough balls covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
3. Step 3: Pat each dough ball into a 4-inch diameter pancake in your hand. Place a tablespoon of refried beans in the center, sprinkle with cheese, then fold edges up and pinch to seal. Gently flatten the ball back into a thin pancake shape.
4. Step 4: Heat a large ungreased skillet over medium heat. Cook pupusas for 2-4 minutes per side until edges are set and bottoms turn light golden brown.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with curtido and salsa roja for a perfect balance of flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken bouillon and use vegetable broth instead. Adding finely chopped cooked pork or loroco flowers can give traditional authentic flavors.
• Use a mixture of cheeses like mozzarella and a tangy queso fresco to add depth of flavor.
• If the dough feels too dry, add a little more warm water gradually until you reach the right consistency.

Storage

Store leftover pupusas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by warming them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the exterior crisp, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze pupusas?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked pupusas by shaping them first, placing them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

What can I use if I don’t have masa harina?

Masa harina is the key ingredient for authentic pupusas since it’s corn flour treated with lime. If unavailable, try finely ground cornmeal, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Pupusas with Refried Beans and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 92 reviews

Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish made from masa harina dough stuffed with refried beans and cheese, then cooked on a hot skillet until golden and melty inside. This recipe includes a homemade masa dough flavored with chicken bouillon, layered with a savory blend of refried beans and mozzarella cheese, and served with tangy curtido and spicy salsa roja for an authentic, comforting meal.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 pupusas 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Salvadoran
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 4 cups masa harina
• 3 1/2 – 4 cups warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 Tablespoons softened butter (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon Chicken Base (or 1 bouillon cube)

Filling

• 15 oz can refried beans (or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Oaxaca cheese)

Accompaniments

• 1 recipe salsa roja
• 1 recipe curtido

Instructions

1. Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and kosher salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing with your hand until a soft, play dough-like consistency is achieved. Stir in softened butter and chicken bouillon until fully incorporated.
2. Divide Dough: Scoop the dough into golf-ball-sized portions, dipping your hands into an oil and water mixture as needed to prevent sticking. Keep the dough balls covered with a damp cloth to avoid drying out as you work.
3. Form Pupusas: Flatten each dough ball into a 4-inch diameter pancake in your hand. Place about one tablespoon of refried beans in the center, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold the dough edges up over the filling and pinch closed to form a ball. Gently pat back and forth between your palms to reshape into a thin pancake shape, sealing in the filling.
4. Cook: Heat a large ungreased skillet or pan over medium heat. Place pupusas on the hot pan and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, until the edges are set and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side until done.
5. Serve: Serve pupusas immediately topped with curtido and salsa roja for the traditional Salvadoran accompaniment.

Notes

• Use warm water when mixing dough for better consistency and easier handling.
• Dipping hands in an oil and water mix helps prevent sticking during shaping.
• Keep dough balls covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
• You can substitute mozzarella with Oaxaca cheese for a more authentic flavor.
• Serve pupusas hot off the skillet for best texture and taste.
• Curtido is a fermented cabbage slaw that adds a tangy crunch which complements the cheesy pupusas.
• Salsa roja adds a spicy, flavorful sauce that balances the richness of the filled pupusas.

Keywords: pupusas, Salvadoran food, masa harina, refried beans, cheesy pupusas, traditional pupusas, curtido, salsa roja, stuffed tortillas