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* Pupusas: Pupusas are the national dish of El Salvador, and are made from a thick, handmade tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, beans, or meat. To make pupusas, you will need:
* 2 cups masa harina
* 1 cup warm water
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* Fillings of your choice (cheese, beans, meat, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the masa harina, warm water, and salt.
2. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls.
6. Flatten each ball of dough into a 4-inch circle.
7. Place some of your desired filling in the center of each circle of dough.
8. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, and seal them together.
9. Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
10. Serve the pupusas hot with your favorite toppings, such as curtido (pickled cabbage and carrots), salsa, or sour cream.
* Tamales: Tamales are another popular Salvadoran dish, and are made from a cornmeal dough that is filled with meat, vegetables, or fruit and steamed in a banana leaf. To make tamales, you will need:
* 2 cups masa harina
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* Fillings of your choice (meat, vegetables, fruit, etc.)
* Banana leaves
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the masa harina, vegetable oil, water, baking powder, and salt.
2. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Cut the banana leaves into 12-inch squares.
5. Place a spoonful of dough in the center of each banana leaf.
6. Add some of your desired filling to the dough.
7. Fold the banana leaf over the filling, and tie it closed with a piece of string.
8. Steam the tamales for 1-2 hours, or until the dough is cooked through.
9. Serve the tamales hot with your favorite toppings.
* Yucca Frita: Yucca frita is a popular street food in El Salvador, and is made from fried yucca root. To make yucca frita, you will need:
* 2 pounds yucca root, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the yucca root to the skillet and fry until it is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain the yucca root on paper towels.
4. Sprinkle the yucca root with salt and serve hot.