These pupusas, oh honey, they’re somethin’ else. You know, them round, flat things made outta cornmeal, stuffed with all sorts of good stuff. But you gotta have the right things to go with ’em, or it just ain’t the same.
What That Curtido Stuff Is
First off, you gotta have that curtido. It’s like, shredded cabbage, but not just plain old cabbage. They put vinegar and stuff on it, make it all tangy. It’s kinda like that sauerkraut stuff the Germans eat, or that spicy kimchi from them Koreans. My grandson, he loves that kimchi. Anyway, this curtido stuff, it cuts through the richness of the pupusa, you see? Makes it all balanced. You can make it mild, or you can make it spicy. Me? I like it spicy.
- Shredded cabbage, that’s the main thing.
- Vinegar, gotta have that tang.
- Sometimes they put carrots in there too.
- And if you like it hot, like me, you throw in some peppers.
That Red Sauce, Salsa Roja
Then there’s that salsa roja. That’s just a fancy name for red sauce. It’s made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, you know, the usual. It ain’t a pupusa without that salsa roja, I tell ya. It just wouldn’t be right. I used to make it with those little chilis we grew in the garden. They’d pack a real punch. Everyone loves that sauce.
You gotta have somethin’ to dip ’em in, right? This ain’t no fancy eatin’. We use our hands here. Well, that red sauce, it’s perfect for dippin’. And it adds a nice little kick to the pupusas. Just make sure it ain’t too watery. You want it to stick to the pupusa, not run all over the place.
- Tomatoes, gotta have those.
- Onions, those too.
- Peppers, for that spice.
- Maybe some cilantro if you’re feelin’ fancy.
Other Stuff You Can Eat with ‘Em
Now, some folks, they like to get all fancy with their pupusas. They’ll put all sorts of things on the side. I don’t always use them, but they are good, and I know people like them.
Beans and Rice, Always a Good Choice
Beans and rice, that’s a classic. Can’t go wrong with that. We always had beans and rice growin’ up. It’s fillin’, it’s cheap, and it goes with just about anythin’. And it sure goes good with pupusas. Just plain old pinto beans, cooked up with some onions and garlic. And the rice, just plain white rice. Nothin’ fancy, but it does the trick. You want to try to make the food last longer, put some beans and rice on the plate.
Fried Plantains, Sweet and Tasty
Some people like them fried plantains. You know, them big banana lookin’ things? They get all sweet and caramelized when you fry ’em up. It’s a nice contrast to the savory pupusa. I don’t make ’em too often, but when I do, everyone gobbles ’em up. Those are a treat, those plantains. Not everyone likes them, but I think they are just great!
Maybe Some Sour Cream or Cheese
And then there’s sour cream. A little dollop of that on top of the pupusa, it’s kinda nice. Cools it down a bit, especially if you got that spicy curtido. And some folks like cheese. Not just any cheese, mind you. It’s gotta be that crumbly, salty kind. Like that queso fresco they got at the store. Sprinkle a little of that on top, and it’s just heavenly. Sometimes I think that cheese makes everything better.
Just Try ‘Em, You’ll See
But really, the curtido and the salsa roja, that’s all you need. That’s how they do it in El Salvador, where these pupusas come from. I saw that on that show, the one with that man who travels around and eats all that strange food. Well, pupusas ain’t strange, but you know what I mean. That is some good TV. He really does eat strange stuff. But those pupusas, they’re good eatin’. So if you ever get a chance to try ’em, you just make sure you get that curtido and that salsa roja. You won’t regret it, I promise. I could eat them every day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I swear. But they do take a while to make. And my old hands ain’t what they used to be. But when I do make ’em, oh boy, it’s a feast.
So there you have it. That’s what you eat with pupusas. Simple, right? But so good. And don’t be shy, use your fingers to eat! And if you are trying them for the first time, you will love it. And if you already love them, well, you already know. They are like those tacos, but better. Oh, and you can put cheese in them too! They are called pupusa de queso. Those are my favorite, with lots of cheese.
Don’t need nothin’ fancy. Just good, honest food. Like my mama used to make. She was a good cook, my mama. Taught me everythin’ I know. ‘Cept for them pupusas. Learned that from my neighbor, Maria. She’s from El Salvador, you know. Makes the best pupusas this side of the border. These are some great Central American foods. I know a lot about food, I’ve been eating my whole life you know! I hope you like these, I sure do. They are savory, that’s for sure. And very filling. They don’t cost much to make, either. Which is good, ’cause I ain’t made of money, you know!
Post Comment