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Pupusas Recipe (Pork & Cheese) with Curtido & Salsa

Pupusas Recipe (Pork & Cheese) with Curtido & Salsa

Make authentic Salvadoran pupusas — crispy outside, melty pork and cheese inside — plus tangy curtido and quick salsa roja. Step-by-step with masa harina tips.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 18 servings
Calories: 234

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small white onion, sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, grated
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 4 Roma tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ small white onion
  • 2 jalapeños (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups instant corn masa flour (Maseca)
  • 2 cups warm water (plus more as needed)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless pork shoulder, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon achiote paste
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
  • Vegetable oil for cooking

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, onion, and carrots. Pour the boiling water over the vegetables and toss. Let sit 10 minutes, then drain. Combine vinegar, oregano, and salt. Pour over the slaw and toss to coat. Chill at least 20 minutes, or overnight for best results.
  2. Add tomatoes, garlic, onion, jalapeños, oregano, and salt to a food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer to a skillet over medium heat and cook 5-6 minutes until some liquid reduces. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine masa flour, warm water, salt, and oil. Knead until smooth and pliable, about 2 minutes. The dough should feel like soft Play-Doh. Cover with a damp towel.
  4. In a pot, combine pork, achiote paste, tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 45 minutes until tender. Shred the pork and mix back into the reduced sauce.
  5. Take a golf ball-sized piece of dough and flatten it in your palm into a disc. Add a spoonful of pork and cheese in the center. Fold the edges up and over the filling, seal, and gently flatten into a thick disc about ¼ inch thick.
  6. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cook pupusas 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown with light charring.
  7. Serve hot with curtido and salsa on the side.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.