Salvadorian Pupusas-fried Cheese Filled Pastries Recipe

How to make it

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• In a large mixing bowl, gradually stir water into masa harina until dough forms a ball that can be handled.
• Into another bowl, empty the refried beans.
• Place the grated cheese into a separate bowl.
• Divide dough into about 25 pieces.
• Roll each into a ball and flatten between the palms of your hands to about 1/2-inch thick.
• Put a spoonful of beans and a small handful of cheese into the center of each pupusa.
• Flatten again with the filling inside.
• Heat a heavy, wide-bottomed or flat skillet until hot.
• Brush with oil and cook pupusas on each side 4-5 minutes until a pale golden-brown.
• The outside should be firm.
• Variations
• Pupusas de Queso: With a cheese filling. Use grated quesillo, queso fresco, farmer's cheese, mozzarella, Swiss cheese or a combination. Add some minced green chile if you like.
• Pupusas de Chicharrones: With a filling of fried chopped pork and a little tomato sauce.
• A reasonable facsimile can be made by grinding 1 cup of cooked bacon with a little bit of tomato sauce in a food processor.
• Pupusas de Frijoles Refritos: With a refried bean filling.
• Pupusas Revueltas: Use a mixture of chicharrones, cheese and refried beans.
• Pupusas de Queso y Loroco: With a cheese and tropical vine flower filling. Loroco can be found in jars at many Latin markets.
• Pupusas de Arroz: A variety of pupusa that uses rice flour instead of corn masa.
• Cooked potatoes or finely minced, sautéed jalapeño peppers are also tasty fillings.
• Try a mixture of different fillings.
• Note: one may half the recipe if desired