Pupusas with Refried Beans and Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
