Pupusas de Queso are a traditional Salvadoran dish known for their deliciously cheesy filling encased in a soft and slightly crispy masa dough. These handmade corn tortillas are filled with savory cheese and cooked to perfection, making them a popular and satisfying dish. Whether you’re new to pupusas or a seasoned fan, this recipe will guide you through making these delightful treats step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Masa Dough:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups hot water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded Jack cheese
For Cooking:
- Oil for cooking (vegetable oil or canola oil works well)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Masa Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
- Add Water: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of hot water to the masa harina mixture, stirring constantly with a spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more masa harina; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Shred Cheese: Shred the Jack cheese and set it aside in a bowl. You can use other cheeses like mozzarella or a combination of cheeses if you prefer.
Step 3: Assemble the Pupusas
- Divide Dough: Divide the masa dough into equal portions, about the size of a golf ball. This recipe should yield around 8-10 pupusas, depending on the size.
- Shape the Dough: Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a small disk using your hands.
- Add Filling: Place a tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each disk. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to seal. Gently flatten the filled dough ball into a thick disk, ensuring the cheese is well encased in the dough. Be careful not to press too hard, as the cheese might escape.
Step 4: Cook the Pupusas
- Heat Oil: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can add more oil as needed during cooking.
- Cook Pupusas: Place the pupusas in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked pupusas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serving
- Serve: Serve the pupusas hot, accompanied by traditional curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and salsa roja. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
Cooking Notes
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or combinations of cheeses to suit your taste.
- Filling Variations: While cheese is a classic filling, you can also add refried beans, cooked pork, or a mixture of cheese and beans for variation.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps it hydrate fully and makes it easier to work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the masa dough ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and filling.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover pupusas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze pupusas? A: Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked pupusas. For uncooked pupusas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For cooked pupusas, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of pupusas, follow these modifications:
- Masa Dough Substitute: Use a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour with an egg and some water to form a dough-like consistency.
- Filling: Ensure the cheese used is low in carbs and avoid adding high-carb ingredients.
Pupusas de Queso are a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft masa dough and gooey cheese filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of traditional Salvadoran cuisine!
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