Pupusas (El Salvador)
Beans
Fried
Latin America
Main Course
Cook time
45 min
Difficulty
Medium
Portion
Single
pupusas-el-salvador
Ingredients: Masa harina (1/2 cup), Water (1/3 cup), Refried beans or cheese (2 tbsp), Oil (for cooking) (1 tbsp), Cabbage slaw (curtido) (1/4 cup (optional))
260 kcal
8.1 protein
7.4 fat
40.2 carbs
Confidence 100%
Vegetarian-leaning
Step 1: Mix masa and water into dough. Divide and fill with beans or cheese. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that all flavors are evenly incorporated and textures are consistent..
Step 2: Seal and flatten into discs. Cook on hot griddle until browned. Take care with this step, as it ensures the dish develops the intended depth of flavor and ideal texture..
Step 3: Serve with curtido slaw if desired. Arrange the dish neatly on a plate and, if desired, add fresh herbs or complementary condiments to enhance presentation and taste..
Pupusas con Curtido
El Salvador
Street Food
Cornmeal
Vegetarian
Cook time
60 min
Difficulty
Medium
Portion
Single
pupusas-con-curtido
Ingredients: Masa harina (1/2 cup), Warm water (1/3 cup), Salt (1/4 tsp), Refried beans (2 tbsp), Quesillo or mozzarella, shredded (2 tbsp), Oil (to oil hands) (1 tsp), Cabbage, finely shredded (curtido) (1 cup), Carrot, grated (curtido) (1/4 cup), Onion, thinly sliced (curtido) (2 tbsp), White vinegar (curtido) (2 tbsp), Dried oregano & sugar (curtido) (pinch each), Tomato sauce (salsa roja) (1/2 cup), Garlic, oregano, water (salsa roja) (pinch, pinch, splash)
324.5 kcal
9.9 protein
8.3 fat
53.4 carbs
Confidence 81%
Vegetarian-leaning
Step 1: Curtido: Toss cabbage, carrot, and onion with vinegar, oregano, sugar, and salt. Let sit 30–60 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).
Step 2: Salsa roja: Simmer tomato sauce with a pinch of garlic, oregano, salt, and water until spoonable; keep warm.
Step 3: Dough: Mix masa with salt and warm water to a soft, non-sticky dough; rest 5 minutes.
Step 4: Shape: Oil hands. Flatten a ball into a disc, add beans and cheese, pinch closed, then gently pat into a thick puck with no leaks.
Step 5: Cook on a medium-hot comal 3–4 minutes per side until brown spots form and cheese melts. Serve with curtido and salsa.
Adobo
Chicken
Filipino
Main Course
Pork
Cook time
60 min
Difficulty
Medium
Portion
Single
adobo
Ingredients: Chicken or pork (150g), Soy sauce (2 tbsp), Vinegar (2 tbsp), Garlic (smashed) (2 cloves), Bay leaf (1), Peppercorns (1/2 tsp), Water (1/4 cup)
371.8 kcal
46.3 protein
8.4 fat
18.8 carbs
Confidence 99%
High proteinLower carb
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a pot and marinate 30 minutes. Cover the container and refrigerate, allowing the ingredients to marinate and deeply absorb the flavors..
Step 2: Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer until meat is tender (30–40 mins). Partially cover the pot and keep a close watch to ensure the ingredients cook evenly without drying out..
Step 3: Reduce sauce until slightly thickened. Take care with this step, as it ensures the dish develops the intended depth of flavor and ideal texture..
Step 4: Serve with steamed rice. Arrange the dish neatly on a plate and, if desired, add fresh herbs or complementary condiments to enhance presentation and taste..
Arayes
Beef
Grilled
Lamb
Main Course
Cook time
35 min
Difficulty
Easy
Portion
Single
arayes
Ingredients: Pita bread (1), Ground beef or lamb (100g), Onion (grated) (1/4), Parsley (1 tbsp), Spices (cumin, paprika) (1/2 tsp), Salt & pepper (to taste), Olive oil (1 tbsp)
285.4 kcal
27.1 protein
15 fat
5.4 carbs
Confidence 92%
Lower carb
Step 1: Mix meat, spices, parsley, and onion. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that all flavors are evenly incorporated and textures are consistent..
Step 2: Stuff pita halves with meat mixture. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that all flavors are evenly incorporated and textures are consistent..
Step 3: Brush with olive oil and grill or pan-sear until crispy and meat is cooked. Take care with this step, as it ensures the dish develops the intended depth of flavor and ideal texture..
Step 4: Serve hot with yogurt or pickles. Arrange the dish neatly on a plate and, if desired, add fresh herbs or complementary condiments to enhance presentation and taste..
Arepas
Venezuelan
Colombian
Cornmeal
Gluten-Free
Cook time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Portion
Single
arepas
Ingredients: Masarepa (precooked cornmeal) (1/2 cup), Warm water (1/2 cup), Salt (1/4 tsp), Neutral oil or butter (for griddle) (1 tsp), Cheese/meat/avocado (filling, optional) (1/4 cup)
697.1 kcal
14.6 protein
21.2 fat
118.4 carbs
Confidence 96%
Vegetarian-leaningQuick cook
Step 1: Whisk salt into warm water; gradually add masarepa to form a soft dough.
Step 2: Rest 5 minutes; shape 2 cm-thick discs, smoothing cracks with damp hands.
Step 3: Griddle 5–6 minutes per side until golden.
Step 4: Optional oven finish at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes for a steamy interior.
Step 5: Split and fill (e.g., cheese or shredded chicken).
Arepas (Venezuela/Colombia)
Fried
Latin America
Main Course
Cook time
35 min
Difficulty
Easy
Portion
Single
arepas-venezuela-colombia
Ingredients: Precooked cornmeal (masarepa) (1/2 cup), Water (1/2 cup), Salt (1/4 tsp), Oil (for frying) (1 tbsp), Cheese or avocado filling (as desired)
580.3 kcal
13.8 protein
8.6 fat
115.2 carbs
Confidence 91%
Vegetarian-leaning
Step 1: Mix cornmeal, salt, and water into dough. Let rest 5 minutes. Make sure to mix thoroughly so that all flavors are evenly incorporated and textures are consistent..
Step 2: Form into patties. Fry in oil until golden and cooked through. Maintain a steady medium-high heat and make sure not to overcrowd the pan, which helps to achieve a perfect golden crisp..
Step 3: Slice open and fill with cheese, avocado, or desired filling. Take care with this step, as it ensures the dish develops the intended depth of flavor and ideal texture..