Salvadoran FoodLoroco and Bean Pupusas with Roasted Pineapple Curtido
An original Salvadoran recipe featuring corn masa pupusas stuffed with refried beans, loroco, and cheese, served with a vibrant cabbage curtido and roasted pineapple accented with oregano. It keeps the homestyle spirit of El Salvador with a fresh, balanced twist.
Ingredients
- 300 g finely shredded green cabbage (for the curtido)
- 150 g fresh pineapple in small cubes (for roasting and mezclar en the curtido)
- 80 g grated carrot (for the curtido)
- 70 g thinly sliced red onion (for the curtido)
- 240 ml hot water (for suavizar the curtido)
- 120 ml white vinegar (for the curtido)
- 2 g dried oregano (divided entre curtido and relleno)
- 10 g salt (divided to taste en toda the receta)
- 8 g sugar (for balancear the curtido)
- 22 ml vegetable oil (divided for roasting and cocinar)
- 240 g refried beans (espesos, for the relleno)
- 60 g chopped loroco (fresh or descongelado)
- 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese (for the relleno)
- 320 g masa harina (harina of maíz nixtamalizado)
- 420 ml warm water (approx., for the dough)
- 5 ml vegetable oil (for humedecer the manos si es necesario)
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
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the pineapple on a tray, toss it with 1/2 tablespoon of the vegetable oil, and roast for 10 minutes until the edges are golden. Let it cool slightly.
- 2
While the pineapple roasts, place the cabbage, carrot, and red onion in a large bowl. Pour the hot water over them and let stand for 5 minutes to soften the vegetables. Drain well.
- 3
Add the roasted pineapple, white vinegar, half of the dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the sugar to the bowl with the vegetables. Mix well, gently press with clean hands, and let the curtido rest while you prepare the pupusas.
- 4
In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1/2 tablespoon of the vegetable oil. Add the refried beans, chopped loroco, the remaining dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the filling is thick and fragrant. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- 5
Transfer the filling to a bowl and mix it with the shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly combined.
- 6
In a large bowl, mix the masa harina with the remaining salt. Gradually add the warm water and knead for 3 to 4 minutes until you have a soft, moist, shapeable dough, similar to soft modeling clay. If needed, use the extra vegetable oil to lightly grease your hands.
- 7
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, make a cavity in the center, and fill with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the bean, loroco, and cheese mixture. Carefully seal and gently flatten into discs about 1 cm thick.
- 8
Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the pupusas for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until nicely browned in spots and cooked through. If you want to keep them warm, transfer them to the oven at 95 °C / 200 °F while you finish the rest.
- 9
Serve the pupusas hot with plenty of roasted pineapple curtido and its juices. If the curtido released a lot of liquid, toss it again before serving so the vinegar, pineapple, and oregano are evenly distributed.
Chef tips
To prevent the pupusas from cracking, keep a small bowl of water or a few drops of oil nearby to moisten your hands while shaping them. The filling should be thick and not too hot so the dough is easier to seal.
Substitutions
You can use Oaxaca cheese or quesillo instead of mozzarella. If you cannot find loroco, try well-drained chopped spinach for a different version, though the flavor will be less traditional. White vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar.
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 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 imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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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