While kneading, shaping, and stuffing dough with a variety of fillings, Jaslene Jaquez, a Sophomore at Bethpage High School, connects the process of a homemade meal and the importance of unity in her El Salvadorian culture. 

Pupusas, served as a meal during lunch, is a famous tortilla dish in El Salvador consisting of numerous fillings like cheese, beans, and even zucchini. 

Jaslene comments, “I also really like to eat it with this tomato sauce on the side that my grandma makes.”

Jaslene recounts the times when every couple weeks, her whole family gathers to share handmade Pupusas, made by her grandma. With the collective effort of her family, Jaslene’s grandma handmakes Pupusas by prepping dough, preparing different fillings,  and pan-frying the filled tortillas on a skillet. However, the special effort her grandma makes in meals such as Pupusas extends far beyond its delicious taste and the compliments they receive. 

Jaslene recalls, “Pupusas remind me of my great grandma really because it’s like passed down in the family. I’ve tried a bunch of different Pupusas from different places like in El Salvador or even here and none of them can compare to the homemade ones.” 

This special dish serves as a bridge connecting Jaslene’s appreciation for hard work and effort in homemade dishes and the love and unity embedded in El Salvador’s culture. Pupusas are valued, not only for their flavorful taste, but the deep love and cultural connection they carry. 

By sharing Jaslene’s  story, I hope people make their own special connection to their identity through their favorite foods. If you would like to share your own story, please email me or leave a comment! ([email protected])