How to Make 00 Flour (Doppio Zero) Pupusas

Where Italian Fine Flour Meets Salvadoran Tradition

What happens when the finest flour in Italy meets the national dish of El Salvador?

You get 00 Flour Pupusas—an ultra-smooth, elastic, and elegant twist on the traditional masa-based favorite. While 00 flour (a.k.a. doppio zero) is typically used for pizza, pasta, and focaccia, its silky texture and high gluten content make it an unexpected yet powerful base for pupusas.

Ready to bring your comal to Rome? Let’s make magic.

What is 00 Flour?

00 flour is:

• Italian-milled wheat flour, ground to an extremely fine texture
• Soft, powdery, and easy to hydrate
• Higher in gluten than all-purpose flour, giving it stretch and chew
• Commonly used in Neapolitan pizza and homemade pasta

While pupusas are traditionally made with masa harina (corn flour), experimenting with 00 flour creates a chewier, doughier, slightly more bread-like pupusa—perfect for fusion fillings or cheese-forward variations.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups 00 flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: ¼ tsp baking powder for extra puff

For the Filling (choose your vibe):

• Mozzarella + quesillo (stretchy and gooey)
• Sautéed spinach + garlic
• Caramelized onions + goat cheese
• Prosciutto + fontina (lean into the Italian twist)
• Beans + cheese (classic Salvadoran soul)

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Combine 00 flour, salt, and optional baking powder.
2. Add warm water and olive oil.
3. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and smooth.

💡 Tip: 00 flour dough needs more kneading than masa to develop structure.

Cover and let rest for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Keep it:

• Moist but not watery
• Pre-cooked if using meat or veggies
• Shredded or chopped fine for easy stuffing

Mix cheeses for max flavor and melt.

Step 3: Shape and Fill

1. Divide dough into 8 equal portions.
2. Roll into balls and flatten into palm-sized discs.
3. Add 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
4. Fold the edges over and seal, forming a dough ball.
5. Carefully flatten again into a thick disc (½ inch).

💡 Because 00 flour is so fine, it seals beautifully—but overfilling can still cause leaks.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Heat a dry nonstick skillet or comal over medium-high heat.

Cook each pupusa for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and blistered.

You’ll notice:

• Slight puffing (thanks, gluten!)
• Crisp outer shell
• Soft, chewy interior

This texture is like the love child of a pupusa and an Italian flatbread.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Serve your 00 flour pupusas hot with:

• Classic curtido
• Salsa roja, or roasted tomato-basil sauce for fusion
• Optional: a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or balsamic glaze

Pair with sparkling water, a cold horchata, or a glass of red wine (no judgment here).

Flavor and Texture Profile

Variations

• Add rosemary or black pepper to the dough for herbal notes
• Try a pizza pupusa: mozzarella, tomato, and oregano
• Sweet version: ricotta + honey + lemon zest
• Use charcuterie scraps for gourmet leftovers

Final Thoughts: Global Masa Dreams

00 flour pupusas are a delicious departure from tradition without losing the soul of the original. They’re soft, indulgent, and flexible—perfect for when you want a fusion pupusa with Italian flair.

This is how you build culinary bridges one comal at a time.

🫓🇸🇻🇮🇹 ¡Del pupusero al pizzaiolo, sin perder sabor!