Pupusas

{{jpg-image} Pupusas are a traditional Central American dish originating from El Salvador. They are thick, hand-made corn tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese (queso), cooked and seasoned pork meat ground to a paste consistency (chicharrón), refried beans, or a combination of these, known as revueltas. Pupusas are a staple of Salvadoran cuisine and have been declared the national dish of El Salvador. They are also popular in neighboring countries in Central America, as well as among Salvadoran communities abroad.

History

The origins of pupusas date back to the indigenous peoples of El Salvador, the Pipil tribe, long before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The name "pupusa" comes from the Pipil language, meaning "swollen". Originally, pupusas were made with native squash seeds and mushrooms, but after the Spanish colonization, the ingredients evolved to include pork and cheese.

Preparation

To make pupusas, Masa harina (a type of cornmeal dough) is used to form a ball, which is then flattened into a round shape. The filling is placed in the center of the dough, and the edges are folded over to enclose it, forming a stuffed tortilla. The pupusa is then cooked on a hot griddle (called a comal) until golden brown on both sides. Pupusas are traditionally served with curtido (a spicy cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa.

Varieties

There are several varieties of pupusas, including:

• Pupusas de Queso: Filled with cheese.
• Pupusas de Chicharrón: Filled with a mixture of cheese and seasoned pork.
• Pupusas Revueltas: A mix of cheese, beans, and pork.
• Pupusas de Frijoles: Filled with refried beans.
• Pupusas de Ayote: Filled with zucchini.
• Pupusas de Loroco: Filled with loroco, a vine flower bud native to Central America.

Cultural Significance

Pupusas hold significant cultural importance in El Salvador and are celebrated every second Sunday of November on National Pupusa Day. This day is dedicated to celebrating the dish with pupusa-making competitions, festivals, and fairs throughout the country. The popularity of pupusas has spread internationally, especially in areas with large Salvadoran populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

See Also

• Central American cuisine
• Tortilla
• El Salvador