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Crispy Authentic Pupusas Recipe with Savory Cheese and Pork Filling Made Easy

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This recipe delivers crispy authentic Salvadoran pupusas filled with savory cheese and slow-cooked pork, perfect for quick dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. The dough is soft yet crisp, and the filling is flavorful and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) masa harina
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) cooking oil
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mild melting cheese (mozzarella or quesillo, or a mix of mozzarella and queso fresco)
  • 1 cup (150g) cooked shredded pork shoulder, seasoned with garlic, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (2g) cumin
  • ½ tsp (1g) chili powder (optional)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins:
  • ½ cup (120g) refried beans
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina and 1 tsp salt. Slowly add 1 ½ cups warm water while stirring. Knead until a soft, pliable dough forms, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust water or masa harina as needed. Cover with a damp towel and rest for 10 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix shredded cooked pork with minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Stir in shredded cheese. Set aside.
  3. Divide dough into 8 equal balls (about 3 oz each). Flatten each ball into a thick disc about 4 inches in diameter.
  4. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese and pork mixture in the center of each disc. Fold edges over filling and seal tightly. Gently flatten into a disc about ¼ inch thick.
  5. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook pupusas for 4-5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Transfer cooked pupusas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with curtido and salsa roja.

Notes

Use medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring a crispy crust. Wet your hands slightly to seal the dough edges and prevent cracks. Let dough rest covered before shaping. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen uncooked for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pupusas, Salvadoran food, crispy pupusas, cheese and pork pupusas, masa harina, comfort food, easy pupusas recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-authentic-pupusas-recipe-with-savory-cheese-and-pork-filling-made-easy/