Corn Tortillas
Enjoy the authentic taste of fresh, homemade corn tortillas with this simple recipe. Using just three ingredients, you can create soft, pliable tortillas that are perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or enjoying on their own. They're naturally gluten-free and far superior to store-bought versions.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Masa Dough
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina and salt to combine.
- c.Gradually pour in 1.5 cups of warm water while mixing with your hands. Continue to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- d.Knead the dough in the bowl for 3-5 minutes. The final texture should be smooth, firm, and springy, similar to soft play-doh. If it's crumbly, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it's too sticky, add a little more masa harina.
- e.Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the masa to fully hydrate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Portion and Shape the Dough
- b.After resting, divide the dough into 16 equal portions. For consistency, you can use a kitchen scale (each ball should be about 35-40g).
- c.Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, crack-free ball.
- d.Keep the dough balls covered with the damp towel to prevent them from drying out as you work.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Press the Tortillas
- b.Heat a comal or a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. It's ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly.
- c.Cut a zip-top plastic bag into two squares. Open your tortilla press and place one square on the bottom plate.
- d.Place a dough ball in the center, cover it with the second plastic square, and close the press. Press down firmly but gently to form a 5-6 inch tortilla.
- e.If you don't have a press, place the dough ball between the plastic sheets and press it flat with the bottom of a heavy skillet or a pie plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Tortillas
- b.Carefully peel the top plastic off the tortilla, then flip it onto your hand and peel off the bottom plastic.
- c.Lay the tortilla on the hot comal. Cook for about 45-60 seconds, until the edges begin to dry and it releases easily from the surface.
- d.Flip the tortilla and cook for another 60-90 seconds on the second side, until you see brown spots.
- e.Flip it a final time and cook for 10-20 seconds. The tortilla should puff up in the middle. Gently press the center with a spatula to encourage puffing.
- f.Repeat with the remaining dough balls, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Keep Warm and Serve
- b.As each tortilla is cooked, transfer it to a tortilla warmer or a plate lined with a clean kitchen towel.
- c.Keep the tortillas covered to trap the steam, which makes them soft and pliable.
- d.Serve warm with your favorite fillings.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The dough's hydration is key. It should feel moist but not sticky. The amount of water can vary based on the brand of masa and humidity.
- 2Don't press the tortillas too thin, or they may tear. A thickness of about 1/16th of an inch is ideal.
- 3Ensure your comal or skillet is properly preheated. A surface that's not hot enough will result in dry, stiff tortillas.
- 4The puffing of the tortilla is a sign of a well-made tortilla. Don't be discouraged if your first few don't puff; it takes practice!
- 5Work in an assembly line: while one tortilla cooks, press the next one to keep the process moving smoothly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Made from 100% corn, these tortillas are an excellent bread alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Whole Grain Goodness
Masa harina is a whole-grain flour, providing dietary fiber which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Low in Fat and Preservatives
Homemade tortillas contain minimal fat and are free from the artificial preservatives and additives commonly found in packaged products, making them a cleaner, more wholesome choice.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, homemade corn tortillas are a very healthy choice. They are naturally gluten-free, low in fat and calories, and made from whole-grain corn. They provide fiber and are free from the preservatives and sodium often found in store-bought versions.