Corn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. They’re versatile, delicious, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and tostadas to enchiladas and chilaquiles. While store-bought tortillas are convenient, they can’t compare to the taste and texture of homemade corn tortillas. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of cooking homemade corn tortillas, from selecting the right ingredients to cooking and storing them.
Understanding the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the ingredients involved. Corn tortillas are made from just a few simple ingredients:
- Corn masa harina (also known as masa flour)
- Water
- Salt
Corn masa harina is the foundation of corn tortillas. It’s made from dried and ground corn kernels that have been soaked in limewater to remove the hulls. This process, known as nixtamalization, makes the corn more easily grindable and increases its nutritional value.
When selecting a corn masa harina, look for a brand that is labeled as “tortilla corn flour” or “masa harina para tortillas.” This type of masa harina is specifically designed for making tortillas and has the right consistency and flavor.
Types of Corn Masa Harina
There are several types of corn masa harina available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few common types:
- White corn masa harina: This is the most common type of masa harina and is made from white corn. It has a mild flavor and a soft, pliable texture.
- Yellow corn masa harina: This type of masa harina is made from yellow corn and has a slightly sweeter flavor than white corn masa harina.
- Blue corn masa harina: This type of masa harina is made from blue corn and has a distinctive blue color and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
Preparing the Dough
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to preparing the dough. To make the dough, you’ll need to combine the corn masa harina and water in a large mixing bowl.
Measuring the Ingredients
To make the dough, you’ll need to measure out the right amount of corn masa harina and water. A general rule of thumb is to use 2 cups of corn masa harina and 1/2 cup of water. However, the exact ratio of masa harina to water may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment.
Here’s a simple way to measure the ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Corn masa harina | 2 cups |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Mixing the Dough
Once you’ve measured out the ingredients, it’s time to mix the dough. To do this, simply combine the corn masa harina and water in a large mixing bowl and stir until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not too sticky. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more water. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more masa harina.
Tips for Mixing the Dough
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when mixing the dough:
- Use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer to mix the dough. A wooden spoon is traditional, but a stand mixer can make the process easier and faster.
- Mix the dough for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and pliable.
- If the dough is too sticky, try adding a little more masa harina. If it’s too dry, try adding a little more water.
Shaping the Tortillas
Once the dough is mixed, it’s time to shape the tortillas. To do this, you’ll need to divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
Dividing the Dough
To divide the dough, simply break it into small pieces and roll each piece into a ball. You should end up with around 8-10 balls of dough.
Flattening the Dough
Once you’ve divided the dough, it’s time to flatten each ball into a thin disk. To do this, you can use a tortilla press or a rolling pin.
- Tortilla press: A tortilla press is a traditional tool used to flatten tortillas. It consists of two flat plates that are hinged together. To use a tortilla press, simply place a ball of dough between the plates and squeeze.
- Rolling pin: If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can use a rolling pin to flatten the dough. Simply place a ball of dough on a floured surface and roll it out into a thin disk.
Tips for Shaping the Tortillas
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shaping the tortillas:
- Make sure the dough is at room temperature before shaping the tortillas. This will make it easier to work with.
- Use a light touch when flattening the dough. You don’t want to apply too much pressure, or the tortillas may become too thin and fragile.
- If the dough is too sticky, try dusting it with a little more masa harina.
Cooking the Tortillas
Once the tortillas are shaped, it’s time to cook them. To do this, you’ll need to heat a dry griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Heating the Griddle
To heat the griddle, simply place it over medium-high heat and let it heat up for a few minutes. You can test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the griddle. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the griddle is ready.
Cooking the Tortillas
To cook the tortillas, simply place them on the hot griddle and cook for about 30 seconds on each side. The tortillas should be lightly browned and slightly puffed.
Tips for Cooking the Tortillas
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking the tortillas:
- Make sure the griddle is hot before cooking the tortillas. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming too dense.
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle. Cook the tortillas one at a time, or in batches of 2-3.
- If the tortillas are too thick, try cooking them for a little longer on each side.
Storing the Tortillas
Once the tortillas are cooked, it’s time to store them. To do this, you can wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
Short-Term Storage
For short-term storage, you can store the tortillas at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, you can store the tortillas in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips for Storing the Tortillas
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when storing the tortillas:
- Make sure the tortillas are completely cool before storing them. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy or developing off-flavors.
- Store the tortillas in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- If you’re storing the tortillas in the freezer, make sure to label the bag with the date and contents.
By following these steps and tips, you can make delicious homemade corn tortillas that are perfect for tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and more. Remember to always use high-quality ingredients and to cook the tortillas with care, and you’ll be enjoying delicious homemade tortillas in no time.
What is the best type of corn to use for making homemade corn tortillas?
The best type of corn to use for making homemade corn tortillas is a type of corn called nixtamalized corn, also known as masa harina. This type of corn has been treated with limewater to remove the hulls and make the corn more easily grindable. Nixtamalized corn is available at most Mexican markets or online.
Using nixtamalized corn will give your tortillas a more authentic flavor and texture. If you can’t find nixtamalized corn, you can also use regular corn flour, but the flavor and texture may not be as good. It’s also important to note that using fresh corn is not recommended, as it will not produce the same results as nixtamalized corn.
How do I know if my dough is the right consistency for making tortillas?
The dough for making tortillas should be soft and pliable, but not too sticky. If the dough is too sticky, it will be difficult to work with and may fall apart when you try to shape it into tortillas. On the other hand, if the dough is too dry, it will be brittle and may crack when you try to shape it.
To test the consistency of your dough, try pinching it between your fingers. If it feels soft and pliable, but not too sticky, it’s ready to use. If it’s too sticky, you can try adding a little more water. If it’s too dry, you can try adding a little more water or masa harina.
What is the best way to shape my tortillas?
The best way to shape your tortillas is to use a tortilla press or a rolling pin. A tortilla press is a specialized tool that is designed specifically for shaping tortillas. It works by flattening the dough into a thin circle.
If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can also use a rolling pin to shape your tortillas. Simply place the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and roll it out into a thin circle. You can also shape your tortillas by hand, but this can be more difficult and may not produce as uniform a shape.
How do I cook my tortillas?
The best way to cook your tortillas is on a dry griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Simply place the tortilla on the griddle and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, until it’s lightly browned and slightly puffed.
You can also cook your tortillas on a comal, which is a type of griddle that is specifically designed for cooking tortillas. A comal is ideal for cooking tortillas because it distributes heat evenly and can cook multiple tortillas at once.
Can I store leftover tortillas?
Yes, you can store leftover tortillas. The best way to store them is to wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze leftover tortillas for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them on a dry griddle.
Why are my tortillas cracking?
There are several reasons why your tortillas may be cracking. One common reason is that the dough is too dry. If the dough is too dry, it will be brittle and may crack when you try to shape it into tortillas.
Another reason why your tortillas may be cracking is that they are not being cooked evenly. If the heat is too high or too low, it can cause the tortillas to cook unevenly and crack. To prevent cracking, make sure to cook your tortillas over medium-high heat and cook them for about 30 seconds on each side.
Can I make tortillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make tortillas ahead of time. In fact, making tortillas ahead of time can be a great way to save time and effort. You can make the dough up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to shape and cook the tortillas.
You can also shape the tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to cook them. Simply cook the tortillas when you’re ready to use them. Keep in mind that tortillas are best when they’re freshly made, so try to use them within a day or two of making them.