Tomato and Cilantro Pupusas with Refried Beans
Hand-pressed Salvadoran-style pupusas stuffed with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and creamy refried beans for a comforting street food experience. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs masa harina, warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup canned refried beans
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups masa harina with 1 tsp salt, then gradually add 1 1/4 cups warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms that holds together but is not sticky.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup canned refried beans with 1/2 cup finely chopped cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Flatten each ball into a 4-inch disc using your palms.
- Step 4: Place about 2 tbsp of the bean and tomato mixture in the center of each disc, then carefully fold the edges over the filling and reshape into a ball. Flatten gently into thick discs about 1/2-inch thick.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each pupusa for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown spots appear and the dough is cooked through.
- Step 6: Serve warm with curtido or salsa roja if desired for a traditional Salvadoran meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato and Cilantro Pupusas with Refried Beans take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Tomato and Cilantro Pupusas with Refried Beans?
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 Tomato and Cilantro Pupusas with Refried Beans?
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 Tomato and Cilantro Pupusas with Refried Beans 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 Tomato and Cilantro Pupusas with Refried Beans 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.
