
Pupusas are a delicious treat originating from El Salvador. They are made with a thick corn tortilla filled with a savoury blend of refried beans and melted cheese. But how many calories does this traditional dish contain? Well, it depends on the size of the pupusa and the ingredients used. One cup of bean and cheese pupusa, for example, contains around 600 calories, while a single serving of La Fe pupusa contains 235 calories. Another source suggests that a pupusa contains around 300 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 235-300 per serving, depending on the brand |
| Calories | 600 per cup (240 grams) |
| Carbohydrates | 36-59% carbs |
| Fat | 53-59% fat |
| Protein | 11-12% protein |
| Net Carbs | 32.5g |
| Total Fat | 3.8g |
| Protein | 7.7g |
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What You'll Learn

One cup of bean and cheese pupusa contains 600 calories
Pupusas are a delicious treat originating from El Salvador, made with a thick corn tortilla filled with a savoury blend of refried beans and melted cheese. This traditional dish is gluten-free and offers a good source of protein and fibre. One cup of bean and cheese pupusa contains approximately 600 calories, 20 grams of protein, 24 grams of fat, and 70 grams of carbohydrates. The calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used, as well as the size of the pupusa. For example, a single serving of La Fe brand pupusas with cheese and beans contains 235 calories, while two servings of Salvadoran black bean and Oaxaca cheese pupusas contain 711 calories.
When it comes to managing weight through calorie control, it's important to consider not only the number of calories but also the nutritional value of the food. Pupusas, in addition to being a tasty treat, offer a good balance of macronutrients and provide a significant amount of protein, fibre, and potassium. The % Daily Value (DV) is a useful metric that indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. For instance, the aforementioned black bean and Oaxaca cheese pupusas provide 38% of the Daily Value of protein, 83% of the Daily Value of fibre, and 19% of the Daily Value of potassium.
While 600 calories may seem like a significant amount for one cup of food, it's important to consider the context of your overall diet and energy needs. The generally recommended daily calorie intake for an average adult is around 2,000 calories, but this can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and individual health goals. If you're aiming for weight loss, creating a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than you burn is important. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate calorie intake for your specific needs.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the calorie content of pupusas can be influenced by the side dishes or toppings you choose to accompany them. For example, a side of curtido, a tangy Salvadoran cabbage salad, typically adds around 50 extra calories to your meal. If you're conscious about calorie intake, opting for lighter toppings or sides, such as fresh salsa or a simple salad, can help balance out the overall calorie count of your meal.
In conclusion, while one cup of bean and cheese pupusa contains approximately 600 calories, it's important to consider the bigger picture of your overall diet and nutritional needs. Pupusas offer a tasty and nutritious option, providing a good source of protein and fibre. By being mindful of portion sizes, choosing complementary sides, and balancing your overall calorie intake, you can enjoy this delicious Salvadoran treat as part of a healthy and well-rounded diet.
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Two servings of pupusas contain 711 calories
Pupusas are a delicious treat originating from El Salvador, made with a thick corn tortilla filled with a savoury blend of refried beans and melty cheese. This traditional dish is gluten-free and offers a good source of protein and fibre.
The calorie count of pupusas varies depending on the ingredients used and the size of the serving. One source estimates that a single serving of a bean and cheese pupusa (approximately 5 inches in diameter) contains 211 calories. Another source estimates that a cup of bean and cheese pupusa, weighing around 240 grams, contains approximately 600 calories.
However, it is important to note that the calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the recipe. For example, the addition of oil or other toppings can increase the calorie count.
When it comes to the nutritional breakdown of pupusas, a single serving typically contains a combination of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. For instance, La Fe Pupusas with cheese and beans provide 235 calories per serving, with a macronutrient breakdown of 36% carbs, 53% fat, and 11% protein.
Considering the above information, it can be estimated that two servings of pupusas would contain approximately 711 calories in total. This estimate is based on the assumption that each serving contains around 350 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.
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One serving of La Fe pupusas contains 235 calories
Pupusas are a delicious treat originating from El Salvador. This traditional dish is made with a thick corn tortilla filled with a savoury blend of refried beans and melted cheese. It is gluten-free and offers a hearty source of protein and fibre.
The calorie content of a pupusa will depend on its size and the specific ingredients used. For example, one cup of bean and cheese pupusa, weighing around 240 grams, contains approximately 600 calories. This is significantly more than the calorie count for La Fe pupusas, which may be smaller in size or use different ingredient proportions.
It is worth noting that the recommended daily calorie intake for an average adult is around 2,000 calories. However, individual calorie needs may vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and health goals. As such, it is always important to consider your own nutritional needs and consult reliable sources or professionals for personalised advice.
Overall, pupusas are a tasty and nutritious option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. By being mindful of portion sizes and considering the nutritional content, individuals can make informed choices to align their pupusa consumption with their specific dietary needs and preferences.
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Pupusas are a good source of protein, fibre, and potassium
Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish made with a thick corn tortilla filled with refried beans and cheese. While the calorie count of a bean and cheese pupusa varies depending on the recipe and serving size, it is generally agreed that they contain around 235-300 calories per serving. One source states that a cup of bean and cheese pupusa, weighing around 240 grams, contains approximately 600 calories.
Despite the variance in calorie counts, pupusas are a good source of protein, fibre, and potassium. The protein and fibre content make pupusas a satisfying and nutritious option. The protein in pupusas comes from the combination of beans and cheese, with the beans also contributing to the dish's fibre content.
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and are known for their high fibre content, making them a healthy and filling option. Cheese also contributes to the protein content of pupusas and adds a savoury, creamy element to the dish. When combined with beans, cheese helps to create a hearty and flavourful filling.
The process of making pupusas involves forming a dough from masa harina and water, which is then filled with beans and cheese before being cooked in a pan. This cooking method gives pupusas their characteristic crispy exterior and gooey interior. The dough is seasoned with salt and pepper, and the filling can be customised to include different types of beans and cheese, allowing for variations in flavour and nutrient content.
Pupusas are often served with curtido, a tangy side dish, or spicy salsa, enhancing the flavour and nutritional profile of the meal. The combination of protein, fibre, and potassium in pupusas makes them a well-rounded and nourishing food choice, offering a range of health benefits in addition to their delicious taste.
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Pupusas are a traditional dish from El Salvador
The origins of pupusas can be traced back to the Pre-Columbian era in what is now El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Remains of the tools used by the Pipil tribe to cook pupusas have been found from around 2000 years ago. Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún wrote in 1570 that Indigenous Americans prepared a similar dish consisting of dough, beans, and meat in Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. However, anthropologist Jorge Ávalos suggests that this may have been an early form of tamales or gorditas rather than pupusas.
In the late 1930s, corn became scarce in El Salvador, and some people began making pupusas with rice flour. This variation, known as pupusas de arroz, originated in the city of Olocuilta, which is now nicknamed the "City of Pupusas." Pupusas de arroz became even more widespread during the Salvadoran Civil War due to further scarcity of ingredients.
Pupusas were not initially a significant part of Salvadoran culture or cuisine and were rarely mentioned in literature until the 1960s. However, their importance grew significantly during the civil war, and they spread to and became popular in the United States in the 1980s as refugees from El Salvador began preparing the dish in their new home. Today, pupusas are enjoyed in cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and New York City. They have even been featured in a miniseries titled "Las Pupusas," released on Amazon Prime Video in 2022 and 2023.
The calorie count of a bean and cheese pupusa can vary depending on the size and specific ingredients used. One source estimates that a cup of bean and cheese pupusa, weighing around 240 grams, contains approximately 600 calories. Another source places the calorie count at around 350 for a single pupusa. A third estimate suggests that a pupusa is around 300 calories, with an additional 50 calories for the curtido.
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Frequently asked questions
A bean and cheese pupusa contains approximately 235 calories per serving.
Yes, the calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size. For example, one source suggests that a cup of bean and cheese pupusa contains around 600 calories.
It is a traditional Salvadoran dish made with a thick corn tortilla filled with refried beans and cheese.
Yes, bean and cheese pupusas also contain carbohydrates, fat, and protein. One source suggests that a single pupusa has approximately 37.8g of total carbs, 3.8g of fat, and 7.7g of protein. Additionally, they can be a good source of fiber and potassium.

























