Sure! Here’s a recipe for a popular Salvadoran dish: Pupusas. Pupusas are thick corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings. This recipe includes a simple cheese filling and a traditional accompaniment called curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw.
Pupusas Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and quesillo, a Salvadoran cheese)
- Optional: Refried beans or cooked pork (chicharrón)
For the curtido (cabbage slaw):
- 1/2 head of cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Making the curtido:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, and onion.
- Blanch the Vegetables:
- Pour the boiling water over the vegetables and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Drain well.
- Season:
- In the same bowl, add the vinegar, oregano, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Making the Pupusas:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Form the Pupusas:
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Flatten a ball of dough into a disc about 1/4 inch thick. Place a tablespoon of cheese (and beans or pork if using) in the center.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them closed, then gently flatten the ball again into a disc, being careful not to let the filling spill out. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Cook the Pupusas:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each pupusa for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown spots appear and the dough is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the hot pupusas with curtido and, if desired, a side of salsa roja (Salvadoran red sauce).
Salsa Roja Recipe (Optional)
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blend:
- In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), and chicken broth or water. Blend until smooth.
- Cook:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy your homemade Salvadoran pupusas with curtido and salsa roja!
