Sarita's Pupuseria Salvadorean Food (Grand Central Market) - Los Angeles (Downtown)

On my fourth turn at jury duty, I had to report to Los Angeles County Superior Court, which coincided with Day 2 of the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's doctor who was accused of prescribing the medication that caused his death. Apparently, getting assigned to the downtown courthouse gets some people excited because of the nearby eats. Personally, I prefer Alhambra Superior Court -- closer to home, easier parking, and better eats.

Nonetheless, I was excited for the opportunity to check out Grand Central Market during the lunch break, and in particular, Sarita's Pupuseria Salvadorean Food.



But before we get to lunch, let's backtrack a bit to that morning.

Jury duty parking was underneath the Walt Disney Concert Hall; amazing building, a pain to find the specific entrance needed for the assigned parking. Then I had to rush down Bunker Hill to make it inside the courthouse in time.

As I approached the courthouse, I saw a media circus with video cameras and protesters gathered in front. You'll have to excuse the blurry photo. My point and shoot camera had a smear on the lens and my attempts to wipe only made it even more blurry. The hazy effect seemed only too apropos for the surreal atmosphere.

Pupusas with Beans and Cheese

So you know me, after seeing how pupusas were made in person at the Farmers' Market in Alhambra, I had to give it a shot myself. They ended up being super easy to make.

I just used the tortilla recipe on the side of my bag of masa harina.

Pupusas with Beans and Cheese

For about 4 to 6 palm-sized pupusas, you'll need:

2 cups masa harina (corn flour, not corn meal)
1 to 1 1/4 cup water
refried beans
shredded cheese

Mix 1 cup water with 2 cups masa harina until a slightly wet lump of dough is formed. The dough should not "crack" when you press down on it. Add more water, starting with 1 tblsp at a time, until you get the right consistency.


In the first method, flatten the lump of dough back and forth in your hands until two equal-sized discs are formed. You may use a rolling pin if you want the dough thinner.

Pile a spoonful of beans and some shredded cheese on one of the discs. I had leftover refried beans from a Mexican lunch.

Top the other disc over the mixture and smooth the edges.

In the more advanced method, make a dent in the ball of dough. Fill with beans and cheese.

Gather up the sides until the mixture is covered.

You'll get a ball of dough again with the mixture in the center.

Flatten the ball of dough again.

Pan fry for about 10 minutes until corn flour is golden.

Enjoy!

Farmers' Market - Alhambra

The Farmers' Market in Alhambra is one of my favorites because of the variety of Asian fruits, vegetables, and flowers offered. Eating what's in season is better for you and better for the environment. Most farmers cut their produce the day before taking them to market. Vegetables haven't been sitting on store displays for weeks. And buying directly from the farmers means your money goes directly to them.





Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons and Japanese pears.



Sprouts!



Stalks of Brussels sprouts $5.




Two kinds of baby, baby bok choy. Smaller than the normal baby bok choy. Does that make them preemie bok choy? :)



I thought citrus prices were supposed to rise because of the freeze?



Thai broccoli, much sweeter than gai lan (Chinese broccoli).



I wish I had a sugarcane press so I can make juice.



Gorgeous orchids.





Just in time for the Lunar New Year, plum blossom branches and gourds.







Cyclamen.



And per tradition, I gave my cousin a dollar so he could buy freshly popped kettle corn. Oh, man! I had forgotten how much I liked kettle corn with its salty, sweet flavors.



The size small is still a pretty big bag.





Tamales $1.50.





The pupusas at Tia Marina's are made fresh when you order. I couldn't snap photos fast enough but she patted the dough flat, added the fillings, folded up the sides to make a ball, pinched off the excess dough on top, and then flattened it again.



Revuelta pupusa stuffed with pork, beans, and cheese, with a side of curtido (slaw) $3.



December 11, 2008 Update: There's a different stall that sells the pupusas now.

Other farmers' markets:
Farmers' Market - Claremont
Farmers' Market - South Pasadena

Farmers' Market in Alhambra
On Monterey, between Bay and Main Streets
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-570-5081
Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.