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Perfect Crispy Salvadoran Pupusas Recipe with Loroco and Quesillo Cheese Made Easy

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A foolproof recipe for crispy Salvadoran pupusas filled with fresh loroco and melty quesillo cheese, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) masa harina
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh loroco flowers or 1/4 cup canned loroco, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded quesillo cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil for frying
  • Optional: 1/2 cup refried beans for filling variation
  • Optional: hot sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups (240g) of masa harina with 1 teaspoon of salt.
  2. Slowly add about 1 1/4 cups (300ml) of warm water while stirring with your hand or a spoon until the dough holds together but isn’t sticky (about 3-4 minutes). Adjust with water or masa harina as needed.
  3. Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix finely chopped loroco (1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup canned, drained) with 1 cup (120g) shredded quesillo cheese.
  5. Pinch off a golf-ball-sized piece of dough (about 3 ounces / 85g). Flatten it into a 3-inch (7.5 cm) circle on a surface dusted lightly with masa harina.
  6. Place about 2 tablespoons of the loroco-quesillo mixture in the center. Fold the dough edges over the filling, pinching to seal, then flatten into a 1/2-inch thick disc without cracks.
  7. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil in a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  8. Cook the pupusa 4-5 minutes on one side until golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 4-5 minutes until the cheese inside is melty and the outside is golden.
  9. Remove pupusas and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with curtido and salsa roja if desired.

Notes

Keep dough covered to prevent drying and cracking. Seal edges well to avoid cheese leakage. Use medium heat and enough oil to get a crispy golden crust without burning. Rest dough between batches. Baking option: bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: pupusas, Salvadoran pupusas, loroco, quesillo cheese, crispy pupusas, masa harina, Latin American food, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/perfect-crispy-salvadoran-pupusas-recipe-with-loroco-and-quesillo-cheese-made-easy/