Bean Pupusa Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Homemade Guide

There’s something magical about pupusas—the warm, griddled Salvadoran corn cakes stuffed with delicious fillings. While the classic version is often made with cheese or pork, the beauty of pupusas lies in their versatility.

Today, I’m sharing a deeply satisfying, entirely vegan bean pupusa recipe that captures the spirit of this Central American comfort food. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these pupusas are crisp on the outside, soft inside, and filled with creamy, spiced beans.

They’re perfect for a hearty plant-based dinner, a weekend brunch, or even as a fun family cooking project. Whether you’re new to Salvadoran cuisine or a longtime fan, you’ll find this recipe approachable, delicious, and nourishing in every bite.

If you enjoy exploring vegan, homemade recipes, be sure to check out my Half Runner Beans Recipe for another bean-forward dish, or perhaps indulge your sweet tooth with this Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe—both plant-based and crowd-pleasing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor, Vegan Twist: These pupusas capture the classic Salvadoran taste, but with a 100% plant-based filling.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—just masa harina, beans, and a few pantry staples.
• Gluten-Free & Nut-Free: Great for those with dietary restrictions, as masa harina is naturally gluten-free.
• Protein-Packed: Beans provide satisfying plant protein, making these a nutritious meal option.
• Fun to Make: Shaping and filling pupusas is hands-on and enjoyable—perfect for getting kids or friends involved.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for quick, wholesome meals later.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl (for dough)
• Medium skillet (for bean filling)
• Potato masher or fork (for mashing beans)
• Spatula (for stirring)
• Griddle or non-stick skillet (for cooking pupusas)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean kitchen towel (for covering dough)
• Small bowl of water (for moistening hands)
• Plate lined with paper towel (for resting cooked pupusas)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bean Filling:
   1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
   2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
   3. Stir in cooked beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mash the beans gently with a potato masher or fork as they cook.
   4. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is thick and cohesive but still a little moist. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
   5. Allow bean mixture to cool to room temperature while you prepare the dough.
2. Make the Masa Dough:
   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina and 1/2 tsp salt.
   2. Add 1 1/4 cups warm water and mix with your hand or a spoon until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel like playdough: soft, moist, but not sticky. If too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time; if too wet, add a pinch more masa harina.
   3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes. This helps the masa fully hydrate and become easier to shape.
3. Shape & Fill the Pupusas:
   1. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls (about golf ball size).
   2. Moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking. Flatten one ball into a disk about 3-4 inches wide and 1/4-inch thick.
   3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of bean filling into the center of the disk.
   4. Carefully bring the edges up over the filling to seal, pinching the dough to close. Gently flatten the filled ball back into a disk, about 1/2 inch thick. If a little filling peeks out, that’s okay!
   5. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
4. Cook the Pupusas:
   1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. No oil is necessary, but you can lightly grease the surface if desired.
   2. Once hot, add pupusas to the skillet (in batches if needed). Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown spots appear and the pupusas are cooked through.
   3. Transfer cooked pupusas to a plate lined with paper towels and cover with a clean towel to keep warm.
5. Serve:
   1. Serve hot, topped with curtido, salsa roja, avocado, or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Bean Options: Use pinto, black, or even refried beans. Homemade or canned both work well.
• Add-Ins: For a pop of flavor, mix in sautéed peppers, a sprinkle of vegan cheese shreds, or chopped cilantro with the beans.
• Make Ahead: Both the bean filling and masa dough can be made a day in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
• Freezing: Cooked pupusas freeze beautifully. Layer between parchment and freeze in a container. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
• Texture Matters: The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it cracks when shaping, add a bit more water.

• “Don’t worry if your first pupusas look rustic! Practice makes perfect, and they’ll taste delicious no matter what.”

Nutrition Facts

(Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary with specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Serving Suggestions

• Traditional: Top with curtido (tangy pickled cabbage slaw) and salsa roja for a classic Salvadoran meal.
• With Sides: Serve alongside rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete dinner.
• On the Go: Wrap in foil for a hearty packed lunch or picnic treat.
• Brunch Spread: Pair with avocado, lime wedges, and your favorite hot sauce.
• For a Vegan Feast: Add a glass of Green Goodness Juice or end your meal with a slice of Kodiak Banana Muffins for a full plant-based experience!

Conclusion

Bean pupusas are a celebration of simple ingredients and bold flavors. This vegan spin stays true to Salvadoran tradition while being accessible and allergy-friendly.

Once you master the easy dough and creamy bean filling, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or as a comforting snack. The process is as rewarding as the result—there’s something so satisfying about shaping, filling, and griddling each pupusa by hand.

Don’t forget to experiment with fillings and toppings to make them your own. Serve with all your favorite sides for a meal that’s truly crowd-pleasing.

If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more on the blog, like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or the classic Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe. Thanks for joining me in the kitchen—happy cooking, and buen provecho!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Bean Pupusas”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These vegan bean pupusas are stuffed with savory refried beans and cooked until golden and crispy. Enjoy this classic Salvadoran street food with curtido and salsa.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “8 pupusas”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups masa harina”, “1 1/2 cups warm water”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 1/2 cups vegan refried beans”, “1/2 cup finely chopped onion”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for cooking”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix masa harina, salt, and warm water to form a soft dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil and saut\u00e9 onion until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in refried beans and cumin; cook for 2 minutes, then cool slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Divide dough into 8 balls.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Flatten each ball into a disc, place 2 tablespoons of bean filling in the center.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold dough around filling, pinch to seal, then gently flatten into a thick disc.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush with oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook each pupusa for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with curtido and salsa.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “3g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “33g”}}