Cheese & Beans Pupusa

Cheese & Beans Pupusa - Photo by JayDi Photography

A few weeks ago, my brother spent a week with us and seeing as he's opened to trying new things, I did attempt to make corn tortillas for tacos. (this will be another post - Though they tasted great,  Lord help me, the tortillas were not photogenic at all. lol) Seeing as I already had the masa harina in my pantry from my corn tortilla attempt, why not try another of my favorite south of the border treats? The Pupusa. 

Pupusas are a traditional dish from El Salvador. Pupusas are corn tortillas with a filling - usually cheese (pupusas de queso), beans, and/or Salvadoran-stylec chicharrón (finely ground pork). Pupuasas are cooked on a griddle and traditionally served with a tomato sauce (salsa roja).  I served mine with our favorite chile verde sauce. 

Pupusas - Stuffed Corn Tortillas

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
 
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes
 
• Yield: About 6 pupusas.

Ingredients:

3 cups masa harina (corn flour for making tortillas)

1 1/2 cups warm water

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

1 cup grated quesillo (Salvadoran cheese), or substitute queso fresco, mozzarella, or farmer's cheese

1/2 cup refried beans (optional)

1 cup pulled pork (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the masa harina with the water and salt, stirring well. Add more water if necessary to obtain a soft dough that does not crack around the edges when flattened. 

Let the dough rest, covered with plastic wrap, for about 15 minutes. 

If using the refried beans, place them in a blender or cuisinart and process until smooth. Do the same with the pork - the consistency should be more like a paste. 

Divide dough into about 6 pieces. Form a ball of dough, then make an indentation in the ball. Place filling of choice in the indentation, and carefully wrap dough around the filling to seal. Flatten ball into a disk, about 1/4 inch thick, being careful to keep filling from leaking out of the edges. (this takes a little practice).

Wipe a very small amount of oil onto the surface of a heavy skillet (cast iron works well). Heat the skillet over medium heat, and place the pupusas in the skillet. Allow to brown on each side, like a tortilla, flipping as necessary. Remove from heat and serve warm.