World Flavors Cookbook

Pupusas de Queso

El Salvador's simplest and most beloved pupusa — a thick corn tortilla filled only with melted quesillo cheese, the pure expression of the national dish.

Cuisine: El Salvador

Ingredients

• 500g masa harina
• Warm water (enough to make soft dough)
• 1 tsp salt
• 300g quesillo (mozzarella-style Salvadoran cheese), grated
• Curtido (fermented cabbage slaw) to serve
• Salsa roja to serve

Instructions

1. Mix masa with water and salt to a soft, pliable dough.
2. Divide into golf-ball portions.
3. Flatten each ball in your palm. Place a generous amount of cheese in center.
4. Fold edges up to enclose filling. Seal completely.
5. Gently flatten again into a disc (about 1cm thick).
6. Cook on a lightly greased hot comal 4-5 minutes per side until golden patches appear.
7. Serve with curtido and salsa roja.