Skip to main content

Save the Children has been in El Salvador since 1980, helping families feed their children.

Cooking Pupusas

Have you tried a pupusa? Pupusa is a staple in El Salvador made with corn tortilla and savory fillings. Watch this video to learn how to make pupusa with Tatiana and Carlos from our child sponsorship programs in El Salvador. Don’t forget to share your recipe photos online at #CookingwithKids and tag @SavetheChildren.

What You’ll Need:
2 ¼ Cup Corn Flour
½ TSP Salt
2 Cups Water
Cheese (mozzarella or cotija)
Refried Beans
Cooking Oil

Instructions:
1. Make dough with a mixture of corn flour, salt and warm water.
2. Scoop out a portion of dough, a little larger than a golf ball.
3. Shape dough into a ball, then into a disc that is 3-4 inches wide.
4. Add a generous pinch of beans and a little bit of cheese to the center of the disc and gently fold the edges up all the way around until the cheese and beans are filled inside. (You can also stuff with meat, vegetables or a combination of ingredients.)
5. Gently pat the dough ball back into a disk.
6. Repeat.
7. Cook pupusas on hot non-stick skillet or griddle until tortillas are cooked through and lightly brown on both sides.
8. Add your favorite toppings, like salsa or sour cream Enjoy!

Remember to share your own pupusa creations when you’re in the kitchen with your kids at #CookingwithKids and tag @SavetheChildren.