Traditional Corn Tortillas

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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If you've ever wanted to bring a bit of authentic Mexican cuisine into your home, learning to make traditional corn tortillas is a must. These humble yet delicious tortillas are the backbone of countless dishes, and they're surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients for Traditional Corn Tortillas

Masa harina is the star of this recipe. It's a special corn flour made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with lime. This process gives it a distinct flavor and texture that's essential for authentic tortillas. Warm water helps to hydrate the masa harina, making the dough easy to work with. Lastly, a pinch of salt enhances the natural corn flavor, giving your tortillas a subtle savory taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the dough is cracking, it's too dry. Add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time.
  • If sticking to the parchment, dust lightly with masa harina before pressing.
  • To keep tortillas warm longer, wrap them in a towel and place them in a low oven.

Serving Suggestions

These tortillas are the perfect base for tacos—fill them with grilled chicken, fresh pico de gallo, and avocado. Or try making quesadillas with melted cheese and sautéed mushrooms. They also pair wonderfully with a hearty chili or as a simple side to a soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before pressing.
What if I don't have a tortilla press?
No worries! A rolling pin works just fine. You might need to experiment a bit to get the thickness right.

Traditional Corn Tortillas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in 2 cups of masa harina and add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a quick stir to blend these dry ingredients together. Next, gradually incorporate 1 1/2 cups of warm water. You’ll want to use your hands for this step, mixing until a dough begins to form. If it feels too dry, add a tiny splash more water until it comes together nicely.

Once your dough is formed, knead it for a good 2 minutes. You're aiming for a smooth and pliable texture—think of it like Play-Doh. Now, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball; they should be about the size of a golf ball.

Prepare your workspace for flattening. Place a ball of dough between two sheets of parchment paper. If you have a tortilla press, great! If not, a rolling pin works perfectly. Flatten each ball until they are about 6 inches in diameter and evenly thin.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a tortilla in the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute on each side. You’re looking for them to be lightly browned and fully cooked through. As each tortilla finishes, stack them and cover with a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them warm and pliable until you're ready to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Only three ingredients needed, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
  • Gluten-free and naturally vegan, catering to various dietary needs.
  • Brings authentic Mexican flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.
  • Perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or simply enjoyed with a bit of butter.

Ingredients

2 cups masa harina
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, mixing with your hands until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball using a tortilla press or a rolling pin between sheets of parchment paper.
6. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on each side until lightly browned and cooked through.
8. Keep cooked tortillas covered with a towel to stay warm.

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