If I had to pick my favorite type of food without a question I would tell you Mexican food. I absolutely love Mexican food. I really don’t know why, I don’t but do I need an excuse to love really good food? Living in El Paso Texas I became spoiled by Mexican Food, there was plenty of it. There was good Mexican food and then there was bad Mexican Food like Chicos… it’s an El Paso thing. You either loved or hated Chico’s. I’m sorry Aaron Sanchez but it is not the best thing I ever ate (with my hands).
I’m sorry i’m just anti-Chicos. There are just too many unappetizing stories out there about them. There was a lot of good food to be found in El Paso though. Good food that I really miss and I have been recreating. I just can’t find really good Mexican food in North Carolina. I know the food in Mexico varies by region but I have yet to figure out what region the Mexican food around here is from.
One of our favorite things to do in El Paso when we didn’t want to go out to eat was head to a local grocery store where they made their own tortillas. Their tortillas were heavenly especially right off the machine when they were still warm. Vista Market’s tortillas were the perfect addition for making authentic Mexican meals at home.
Now that I have to rely on store bought tortillas I have been pondering how hard is it to make my own tortillas. I don’t have a press and didn’t want to buy a press not knowing how or if the tortillas were going to turn out. What’s a girl to do? I’ll tell you what, this girl got creative and guess what it worked. Homemade tortillas were very easy to make and definitely worth the little bit of extra work. Here is how I did it.
Step 1: Prepare your dough. This is some of the easiest dough I have ever made. You mix Masa flour,water and salt (if desired). If your dough is a little dry add more water, a little wet add more masa. Allow your dough to rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll your dough into about golf ball sized balls. Keep the ones that you are not preparing to roll covered so they don’t dry out.
Step 3. Take either a large sheet of parchment or 2 sheets of parchment to roll your dough ball out in between. You could use wax paper or saran wrap if desired but parchment was the easiest to work with. The dough doesn’t stick and the parchment can be reused multiple times without any fuss.
Don’t let not having a rolling pin keep you from trying this recipe. A wine bottle (or other round glass bottle) will work as a rolling pin in a pinch.
Step 4: Once you have rolled out something that is about the size of a corn tortilla take a plastic bowl and use it as a “cookie” cutter and cut out the tortilla. Yes, everyone a plastic cereal bowl that you can buy 4 for a $1 at Walmart or the Dollar Store makes for a perfect tortilla cutter.
Step 5: On medium- high heat cook each side of your tortilla for 30 seconds to one minute. I used an electric skillet but a good heavy skillet works just as well. Keep tortillas covered with a towel to stay warm and moist until ready to serve. To save for later store in a ziploc bag.
They were seriously some of the best tortillas we have ever eaten! My husband told me that i’m not allowed to buy store bought tortillas anymore even. Yes, they are that awesome! Try them for yourself and see. No need to buy a tortilla press unless you really want to. As long as you have masa, parchment paper, a rolling pin and a plastic bowl you have everything that you need. So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to make homemade corn tortillas and taste the difference?
- 1¾ cups masa harina
- 1⅛ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt (if desired)
- In a medium bowl, mix together masa harina and hot water until thoroughly combined. Turn dough onto a clean surface and knead until pliable and smooth. If dough is too sticky, add more masa harina; if it begins to dry out, sprinkle with water. Cover dough tightly with plastic wrap and allow to stand for 30 minutes.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle to medium-high.
- Divide dough into 15 equal-size balls. Cover the dough balls to help retain moisture.
- Take either a large sheet of parchment or 2 sheets of parchment to roll your dough ball out in between. Roll dough ball thinly until it is approximately 6-7 inches round.
- Once you have rolled your dough take a plastic bowl and use it as a "cookie" cutter and cut out the tortilla
- Immediately place tortilla in preheated pan and allow to cook for approximately 30 seconds, or until lightly browned and slightly puffy. Turn tortilla over to brown on second side for approximately 30 seconds more, then transfer to a plate. Repeat process with each ball of dough. Keep tortillas covered with a towel to stay warm and moist until ready to serve.
adapted from allrecipes.com
