How To Make Your Own Corn Tortillas—From Scratch!

By Kirsten Maxwell June 23, 2023 30 mins read 112 Views

Have you ever tried making your own tortillas? These three-ingredient homemade masa harina tortillas are easy as uno...dos...tres! Once they're done cooking, you can go ahead and load them up with your favorite fillings for a fantastic and flavorful meal! Taco Tuesday? Why not Taco Everyday? !

The superstar pantry ingredient? Masa Harina! Masa Harina is flour made from ground corn, and all you need to turn it into tortillas is some hot water, oil, and salt. A tortilla press will come in handy too (but isn't absolutely necessary, as you'll read below).

Making your own tortillas from scratch is a great way to save money, reduce plastic waste (especially if you shop for masa from bulk bins and bring your own reusable bags! ), and reduce your reliance on grocery stores (if, say, you're in the midst of a pandemic).

This incredible recipe comes from the new vegan cookbook La Vida Verde by Jocelyn Ramirez. You'll get to eat delicious and uber-fresh tacos and also take part in a very old Mexican tradition and help keep it alive. Pretty awesome, right?

What Is Masa Harina?
What Are The Benefits Of Corn Tortillas?
Choosing Your Masa
How To Make Homemade Corn Tortillas
Do I Need a Tortilla Press in Order to Make Tortillas?
What Can I Fill My Tortillas With?
Some Thoughts From The Author
More Vegan Mexican Recipes
About Jocelyn Ramirez

What Is Masa Harina?

Masa harina literally means "dough flour." It's a kind of flour made from dried corn kernels that are cooked and then soaked in a lime solution (calcium hydroxide, not the fruit) to make hominy. The soaking process is what gives corn tortillas that distinct sour flavor that makes them taste so refreshing. Masa is what you get when you mix the masa harina with water to form a corn dough essential to various staples in Mexican cuisine, such as tortillas and tamales.

What Are The Benefits Of Corn Tortillas?

While masa harina tortillas are ideal for those who are sensitive to gluten, they also come with a number of health benefits! A typical corn tortilla contains:

96 calories
20 grams of carbs
3 grams of protein
1 gram of fat
3 grams of fiber
8% of the DV for Magnesium

Tortillas made from corn are also 100% whole-grain, which is great for getting your daily dose of fiber in. Corn tortillas also tend to be smaller which can make them easier to hold which is great for serving kids!

Choosing Your Masa

For this recipe, we'll be using store-bought masa harina to make our dough. The author prefers brands such as Bob's Red Mill, Masienda, and Gold Mine, which can be purchased online or at your local grocery story or health food store.

Corn can be purchased in either white, yellow or blue varieties, but most often you'll find golden or white masa harina. When choosing your masa harina, make sure it has gone through the nixtamal process of being cooked and soaked in calcium hydroxide. This process, called nixtamalization, creates an alkaline solution that releases the hull from the corn kernel and makes for a more nutritious ingredient.

How To Make Homemade Corn Tortillas

The process is a lot simpler than you might imagine. Understandably, many of us get intimidated but the idea of creating something from scratch--and by the word "kneading." But, do NOT fret! This precious process is simple and very intuitive, so let's just go for it!

In short, you just mix the corn flour and hot water to create the "masa" or dough. Once you knead it and bring it all together, you add the oil and salt. Roll the dough into small balls and press it in a tortilla press (made from two big round flat plates that flatten the dough into perfectly flat tortillas. Cook them in a hot skillet for 20 seconds each side and keep the finished tortillas warm with a towel.

That's it! Now I'm wondering: where has this recipe been all my life?

Do I Need a Tortilla Press in Order to Make Tortillas?

You do not need a tortilla press to make your own homemade corn tortillas, but this simple tool will make tortilla making much easier and the end result pretty perfect. You can get circular parchment paper liners that fit your press to prevent sticking.

If you don't have a tortilla press, not to worry. You can place the dough ball between two squares of baking paper or plastic and press it flat with a cutting board. Add another cutting board over the top or a clear glass oven dish, and use your hands to evenly press down until the masa is flattened evenly. Here's a 50 second super helpful tutorial showing how to do it!

What Can I Fill My Tortillas With?

The short answer is: anything you want! You can fill them with so many delicious vegan Mexican fillings. What about some easy lentil tacos? Or turning them into some cheesy vegan quesadillas? Beefy tacos made with a vegan beefy crumble, anyone?

Here are more delicious fillings to try:

Simple Beans and Rice - Sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go! You can assemble delicious tacos or enchiladas with some Mexican red rice, refried beans, pickled veggies, tomatillo salsa, and vegan cheese.
Time for Tofu - That's right! Tofu is a fantastic choice for adding some savory protein to your tortillas. Sizzle up some strips, crumble into soyrizo, or air-fry tofu cubes for a truly delicious experience.
Veggie Heavy - The beautiful thing about tortillas are the countless ways in which you can fill them up. If you prefer your meals heavier on the veggies, Cauliflower Tacos or our Sauteed Kale, Bean, & Avocado Salad is an excellent choice for pairing with these tortillas. If you're a salad lover, go ahead and make your own to go with whatever else you're having for taco night!
Three Cheers for Chickpeas - While beans are a classic choice for tortillas, don't count out the mighty chickpea! Whether roasted or mashed into a vegan tuna salad, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by the combination of these lovely legumes and your tasty tortillas.

Simple Storage

If you end up with a surplus of tortillas after dinner, you have a few different ways of storing them, though you won't want to leave them out much longer than twelve hours because then mold will begin to grow!

If refrigerating, wrap in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container with pieces of waxed paper placed between them so they don't stick. They'll keep for up to two weeks in the fridge. Fan of freezing instead? Follow the same instructions for refrigerating! The tortillas will last about three to four weeks.

When ready to reheat, either place the tortillas in the microwave or stovetop! Feel free to spray with a little water to get them softer, if needed.

Some Thoughts From The Author

"Tortillas are the cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. They easily transform to make tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, taquitos, tortilla soup, tostadas, nachos and so much more that have been the center of traditional Mexican cooking for generations.

Although many consider tortillas to be a simple ingredient, they are an immensely laborious flatbread that take days to become the pillowy aromatic staple that pulls together most Mexican dishes.

Although they are made and sold in different forms, nothing compares to a hand-pressed homemade corn tortilla."
- Jocelyn Ramirez

More Vegan Mexican Recipes

Stuff your homemade corn tortillas with this Vegan Fish Tacos filling! It's swimming with flavor and packed with fresh, vibrant toppings.
For the ultimate comfort meal that's both healthy and delicious, this Mexican Pozole Soup is the answer!
Are your mornings in a food rut? This open-face breakfast sandwich, a.k.a. Vegan Mollete, is protein-packed and quick to make!
Turn your fresh corn tortillas into Jackfruit "Pulled Pork" Tostadas for an easy and ridiculously delicious meal!
Super Easy Everyday Vegan Burrito lives up to its name, ready in just 15 minutes!
Step up your Mexican food game with these Vegan Cheese Quesadillas With Creamy Chipotle Bean Dip that's truly tantalizing!

Homemade Corn Tortillas

These homemade corn tortillas are a great idea for batch cooking on Sundays! Once you make them once, you may never get store-bought again!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword corn tortilla recipe, homemade corn tortilla recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings tortillas

Calories 111kcal

Author Jocelyn Ramirez

Ingredients

2 cups masa harina
2-3 cups hot water
1/4 cup cooking oil divided
salt to taste

Instructions

Add the masa harina to a medium bowl. Pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of hot water, and use your hands or a spoon to mix the masa.
Slowly add more water as needed. Once the masa starts to form into a dough, continue to use your hands to amasar, or knead, the masa to bring it all together.
The masa should be a Play-Doh-like consistency that sticks together and doesn't stick to the bowl or your hands. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the oil and salt to taste, and continue to knead the masa, adding more oil as needed, up to 1/4 cup.
Preheat a comal (flat cast iron pan) to medium-high heat.
Roll the masa into small walnut-sized balls. Use a tortilla press lined with wax paper (or plastic) to press the tortillas evenly until the masa becomes a tortilla about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in diameter.
Add the first tortilla to the preheated comal (the griddle). Let it cook for about 20 seconds, or until the first side begins to sear and the outer layer of the tortilla seals. The tortilla should release from the pan. Flip the tortilla to cook on the second side for 20 seconds. Flip it back to the original side, and the tortilla may start to puff up after another 20 seconds. Repeat for all the tortillas. Place the cooked tortillas in a tortilla holder lined with a cloth towel to keep them warm. They will continue to steam and cook in the basket.

Nutrition

About Jocelyn Ramirez

Jocelyn Ramirez is the author of La Vida Verde and the chef and founder of Todo Verde, a woman-owned catering company making plant-based cuisine accessible throughout Los Angeles. Jocelyn co-founded Across Our Kitchen Tables, an organization that uplifts women of color in food. Her work has been featured by Vice, BuzzFeed, Los Angeles Times and many others. Jocelyn currently lives in Los Angeles, California.

This vegan Mexican tortilla recipe is reprinted with permission from La Vida Verde by Jocelyn Ramirez, Page Street Publishing Co. 2020. Photo credit: Zohra Banon. Please note that this article contains affiliate links which means shopping through them supports World of Vegan.

The post How To Make Your Own Corn Tortillas--From Scratch! appeared first on World of Vegan.

By: Beatriz Buono-Core
Title: How To Make Your Own Corn Tortillas—From Scratch!
Sourced From: www.worldofvegan.com/corn-tortillas/
Published Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2023 21:29:00 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you think it is necessary to consume supplements if you eat a plant-based diet.

A well-balanced, plant-based diet can provide all of the nutrients necessary for good health. However, it is best to supplement certain micronutrients in order to compensate for any deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is critical for the health of the brain and nervous systems. Although it is only available from animals, supplemental forms may be beneficial to vegans or vegetarians. Iron and zinc are important minerals for healthy metabolism and red blood cell production, tissue development, and repair. Essential for normal body functions, like controlling inflammation and proper brain function, omega-3 fatty acids are also important. Because of their biochemical nature, many plant-based foods don't contain enough omega-3s. Supplementation could help restore the delicate balance. The last thing is that calcium is crucial for bone strength. But, it can also come in small amounts from plants like broccoli and Kale. So if you don't have enough calcium from your food, consider adding a supplement. It is always a good idea for you to check with your doctor before adding new supplements.

How can a plant based diet boost your health?

A plant-based diet has many health benefits. Eating more plant-based foods and fewer animal products has been linked to a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They can also help prevent inflammation and oxidative harm. The benefits of eating lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans and other legumes have been shown to be due to the high levels of dietary fiber. This feeds your gut bacteria and helps you maintain good digestion. Low levels of saturated fats are a common feature of plant-based meals plans, which can help increase cholesterol levels. Furthermore, studies suggest that a plant-based diet can help reduce symptoms associated with common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. A combination of plant-based protein and healthy fats such as nuts or avocados can help you feel fuller for longer periods between meals.

Is there a limit to how much meat you can eat on a plantbased diet?

A plant-based diet prohibits the consumption of any meat. This lifestyle does away with all animal products like meat, fish, chicken, and eggs. Fortunately, plenty of vegan substitutes can offer the same flavor and texture without animal products. Tofu, seitan and tempeh (fermented beans), are all examples of soy-based meats that can mimic the traditional taste of meat. Vegetarian vegetarian burgers made with black beans, quinoa and other ingredients are similar in taste to beef burgers. You can also make vegan burgers with eggplant bacon bits or coconut bacon strips; tofu mayo; vegetable hot dogs with seasoned texture soy protein; and faux chicken strips made from wheat gluten. These options are ideal for anyone looking to change to a plant based diet.

What are some tips for transitioning to a plant-based diet?

The transition to a plantbased diet can seem intimidating but can lead to an exciting lifestyle change. These are some tips for transitioning into this type if diet:

Use whole foods in your meals to get adequate macronutrients.
It is important to create delicious meals that satisfy dietary requirements and are fun to eat.
A support network of friends, family, or health professionals.
Trying new recipes to add excitement while eating well.
Gradually changing habits while also being mindful of nutrient intake.

People can increase their chances to maintain a healthy lifestyle by gradually changing to a plant-based diet.

Are plant-based diets less expensive than other diets.

Plant-based diets may not necessarily be more expensive than other diets. It's possible to eat a balanced and plant-based meal without having to spend much, depending on the amount of food consumed. Rice, beans, eggs, nuts, potatoes and other vegetables can all be inexpensive and provide excellent protein sources at lower prices. You can also reduce food costs by planning your meals and buying bulk. In addition to individual ingredients, there are many readymade plant-based meals you can use that will further reduce your grocery expenses.

What are some fantastic sources of protein that can be found in a plant-based lifestyle?

Some excellent sources of protein on a plant-based diet include legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas; soy products like tofu and tempeh; grains such as quinoa and teff; nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews; seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower; and green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Many plant-based protein sources provide fiber along with essential micronutrients, such as vitamins or minerals. A plant-based diet may include omega-3 fatty oils such as flaxseeds (chia seeds), walnuts, hemp seeds and chia seed.

Statistics

A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)
According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

How To

How do you make sure you are getting enough protein through a plant-based lifestyle?

It is possible to ensure you get enough plant-based protein with the right combination. A variety of plant-based protein sources include nuts, legumes and seeds as well as tofu, tempeh and quinoa. These foods should be included into your daily diet. Superfoods such as spinach and goji berries are great for your nutritional intake.

A vegan diet should include plant-based foods, such as protein powders, nuts, and collagen peptides. They can also be added to smoothies and other recipes. If you feel like you aren't getting enough protein from foods, consider taking high-quality supplements. This could be pills, capsules, tablets, or even whole food products that contain sufficient protein.

A vegan lifestyle allows them to quickly achieve their recommended daily nutrients by planning ahead and making conscious efforts in different ways to include plant-based proteins in their meals.