[pu ‘ pusas] are a traditional Salvadorian dish consisting of a fluffy, filled corn round.
This recipe uses beans and mushrooms as filling, but the possibilities are endless. Don’t be discouraged if the first shaping attempts don’t go as planned – it might take a few practice runs to get it right. The uncooked pupusas also freeze well and can be saved to cook at a later date.
- Mushroom – white or cremini, 2 pts
- Red pepper – large
- Cayenne pepper – pinch
- Refried beans – one can
- Cheese – cheddar/of choice
- Masa harina – 2 cups
- Water
- Avocado – optional
- Salsa – optional
- Tomato – optional
- Sour cream – or plain yogurt, optional
- Vegetable oil
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Mushrooms:
Place chopped mushrooms and a pinch of salt in a dry pan over medium heat to medium-high heat. Allow mushrooms to expel all water (a surprising amount), about 15 minutes. Once water has evaporated, add oil, chopped red pepper, and cayenne. Allow to cook for 10-15 minutes until all veggies are cooked through.
Additional fillings:
Grate cheese and prep refried beans ( I used left over black beans from the night before).
Masa dough:
Place 1.5 c. of water in large bowl. Slowly add masa while mixing to ensure no large chunks. Add additional 0.5 c water until you achieve a tacky, wet dough. Let rest 5 minutes.
Toppings:
Cut tomato and avocado. Grate additional cheese. Prepare sour cream and salsa.
Shape Pupusa:
With oiled hands, roll a small ball of dough, pat flat then fill with small amount of beans, mushroom mixture, and cheese. Fold edges to seal then re-roll into a ball. Gently flatten and cook or store on greased parchment.
Cook Pupusa:
Heat skillet to medium-high with vegetable oil and add pupusas to pan. Flip when browned (3 – 5 minutes per side). To keep warm wrap in tin foil in a 220°F oven.
