Salvadoran Stuffed Masa Cakes

Ingredients for Salvadoran Stuffed Masa Cakes

• 230g fresh mozzarella, coarsely grated (475ml )

• 240ml cooked small red beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained if canned

• 240ml finely chopped chicharrón (fried pork rind)

• 950ml corn tortilla flour (masa harina)

• 725ml water at room temperature

• Accompaniment: Salvadoran Coleslaw

How to make Salvadoran Stuffed Masa Cakes

Toss together cheese, beans, pork rind, and 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl with your hands, then press mixture firmly into 16 (1 1/2-inch) balls (for filling).

Combine tortilla flour, water, and 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl and knead with your hands until a uniform dough forms, about 1 minute. (Dough should be moist but not sticky. If necessary, knead a little more tortilla flour or water into dough.)

Flatten 60ml dough between moistened palms into a 4-inch disk. Wrap disk around a ball of filling, enclosing it, and form into a smooth ball. Reflatten between your palms into a 4-inch disk (1/2 inch thick; filling should remain hidden). Put on a tray lined with plastic wrap and cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying. Make 15 more pupusas.

Heat a comal or large (2-burner) griddle over medium-low heat until hot, at least 2 minutes. Brush lightly with oil, then cook pupusas in batches, turning and pressing lightly with a metal spatula every 2 to 3 minutes, until crusty and browned in spots (some cheese may ooze out), 10 to 12 minutes total per batch. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.