Bean and Green Plantain Pupusas with Curtido Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Salvadoran pupusas stuffed with seasoned refried beans and green plantains, served with tangy curtido cabbage slaw for balance. This latin american-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, refried black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina with 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups warm water, mixing with your hands to form a soft dough. Fold in 1 grated medium green plantain until evenly incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a 4-inch disk, place 2 tablespoons refried black beans in the center, then fold edges over filling and reshape into a thick patty.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each pupusa for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy on the outside.
  4. Step 4: For the curtido, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 shredded small carrot, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup water in a bowl. Toss well and let sit for 20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot pupusas topped with a generous spoonful of curtido cabbage slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bean and Green Plantain Pupusas with Curtido Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bean and Green Plantain Pupusas with Curtido Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep masa harina from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bean and Green Plantain Pupusas with Curtido Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bean and Green Plantain Pupusas with Curtido Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bean and Green Plantain Pupusas with Curtido Slaw vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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