Salvadoran FoodSalvadoran open-face pupusas with refried red beans, roasted red onion, and hard cheese with tomato oregano chirmol
An original recipe inspired by traditional Salvadoran flavors: thick corn masa rounds griddled until golden, served open-face with seasoned refried red beans, roasted red onion, grated hard cheese, and a fresh tomato, oregano, and lime chirmol. It keeps the spirit of pupusas and comal street food, but with a distinct homemade presentation.
Ingredients
- 400 g nixtamalized corn masa (for formar the pupusas abiertas)
- 180 ml warm water (ajustar as needed the humedad of the dough)
- 5 g salt (divided entre the dough and the chirmol)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (divided for comal and frijoles)
- 300 g cooked red beans (escurridos, for colar or machacar)
- 80 g white onion (chopped finely)
- 6 g garlic (chopped or majado)
- 1 g ground cumin (for sazonar the frijoles)
- 120 g red onion (en plumas gruesas)
- 250 g ripe tomatoes (for the chirmol)
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 g dried oregano (divided entre chirmol and acabado)
- 120 g grated hard Salvadoran cheese (or queso duro blando well dry grated)
- 10 g fresh cilantro (chopped finely)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, mix the nixtamalized corn masa with the warm water and 2 g (1/2 tsp) of the salt until you have a soft, moist, shapeable dough. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes and divide into 4 equal portions.
- 2
2. Heat a griddle, comal, or large skillet over medium heat, about 375 °F / 190 °C. Lightly grease the surface with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Shape each portion into a thick round, 4 to 5 inches wide and about 1/2 inch thick.
- 3
3. Cook the masa rounds for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden with toasted spots and cooked through. Transfer to a tray and keep warm.
- 4
4. While they cook, heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the white onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- 5
5. Stir in the cooked red beans and ground cumin. Mash or blend the beans first if you want a smoother texture, then cook them with the onion and garlic for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick refried beans form. Adjust with 1 to 2 tbsp water if too dry. Season with 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt.
- 6
6. Place the red onion in the same skillet or on the hot griddle and roast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened with browned edges. Set aside.
- 7
7. For the chirmol, finely chop the ripe tomatoes and combine them in a bowl with the lime juice, fresh cilantro, 1 g (1/2 tsp) dried oregano, and 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Let rest for 5 minutes so the juices develop.
- 8
8. To assemble, spread a generous layer of hot refried beans over each masa round. Top with the roasted red onion and then the grated hard cheese.
- 9
9. Return the open-face pupusas to the griddle or to an oven preheated to 350 °F / 175 °C for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is lightly warmed but not fully melted.
- 10
10. Finish with the tomato chirmol on top and sprinkle with the remaining dried oregano. Serve immediately while the base is still hot and crisp around the edges.
Chef tips
If the dough cracks, add 1 extra tablespoon of water at a time. For a more traditional texture, cook the rounds over steady medium heat and avoid moving them before they naturally release from the griddle.
Substitutions
You can use cooked black beans instead of red beans. If Salvadoran hard cheese is unavailable, use dry cotija or a firm crumbled fresh cheese, though the final flavor will be slightly different.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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