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Pupusas with Curtido

Pupusas with Curtido: A Comfort Food You’ll Crave!

Enjoy delicious pupusas with curtido, a traditional comfort food from El Salvador that combines cheesy fillings and a tangy, pickled slaw.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Curtido Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 pupusas
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Curtido
  • 2 cups Shredded Cabbage can substitute with green cabbage for a milder taste
  • 1 large Carrot grated for quick flavor absorption
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Mexican Oregano Italian oregano works as a substitute
  • 1 cup Hot Water
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar can use white vinegar if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar adjust to taste
For the Pupusas
  • 2 cups Masa Harina Maseca is recommended for best results
  • 1 cup Cold Water ensures proper hydration
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Oaxacan cheese is a great alternative
  • 1/4 cup Pickled Jalapeño Peppers for less heat, consider fresh jalapeños
  • 1 cup Roasted Butternut Squash can swap for other roasted vegetables
  • as needed Water & Olive Oil for handling dough to prevent sticking

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • mixing bowl
  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Curtido Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and dried Mexican oregano. Boil hot water and mix it with apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and granulated sugar until dissolved. Pour this mixture over the cabbage and carrot, tossing to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Dough Making
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together masa harina and a pinch of kosher salt. Gradually add cold water, stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms, about 5 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth.
Pupusa Formation
  1. Take a portion of the dough, roll it into a ball, and flatten it into a disc. Spoon a mixture of shredded mozzarella, pickled jalapeños, and roasted butternut squash into the center, fold edges to seal, and flatten gently.
Cooking the Pupusas
  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, cook pupusas for 4–6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Serving
  1. Transfer cooked pupusas to a plate, serve hot with curtido and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pupusaCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the dough is not too sticky and adjust with water or masa harina as necessary. Monitor cooking closely for even browning.

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