The national dish of El Salvador is the pupusa. Pupusas are thick, hand-formed masa (corn dough) tortillas stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, refried beans, or pork, then grilled on a flat griddle called a comal until cooked to perfection. They are traditionally served with curtido, a tangy pickled cabbage slaw, and tomato-based salsa. The main ingredients of pupusas include:
- Masa harina (corn flour) for the dough
- Cheese (such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- Refried beans or cooked pork as optional fillings
- Vegetable oil for cooking
The curtido side typically includes:
- Shredded cabbage
- Grated carrot
- Sliced onions
- Vinegar and spices like oregano and red pepper flakes
Pupusas are a cherished traditional food, officially recognized as the national dish in 2005, with a special National Pupusa Day celebrated each year.
