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Fresh Corn Tortillas

The next best thing to fresh ground masa for tortillas is this easy masa harina version!
Course Bread, Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 Tortillas

Equipment

  • tortilla press

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups warm to hot water I prefer using hot water over room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, Optional!
  • 2 cups plus 3-4 tablespoons masa harina (more or less)

You will also need

  • Tortilla press or flat bottomed plate
  • A heavy plastic storage bag or t-shirt bag no printing
  • A nonstick comal or griddle pan

Instructions

Directions

  • In a large bowl, add the hot water and the salt. Stir to combine. Gradually add in the masa harina until the dough forms. It will be slightly sticky, if too sticky, add another couple of tablespoons of masa harina. Cover with plastic wrap and let set for 20 minutes.
  • Cut the plastic bag down to line the inside of tortilla press, about 5X5 in size. If using the plastic(t-shirt) bags from the store, cut down and wash surface and let dry before using.
  • Preheat the comal or griddle to medium heat for 5-7 minutes. A hot comal or griddle pan is very important. Take enough dough to make 16 dough balls. Keep them cover with plastic so they don’t dry out.
  • When ready, roll it several times in between your hands and flatten slightly. Press to about 5 inches in diameter. Making sure the tortilla fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, peel off the plastic and transfer to hot comal or griddle. If the tortilla tears, just roll it into a ball and start over.
  • Flip tortilla as soon as it releases from the comal. It should still look uncooked in some spots when you flip it. Cook for another 20-30 seconds. Flip once again and the tortilla should begin to inflate. If it does not inflate it could be that you already overcooked the tortilla. Gently press the tortilla with your finger tips and sometimes this will cause the tortilla to inflate. Remove from heat and keep warm in between two kitchen towels in a covered pan. The steam created will yield a softer tortilla. I promise! Tested!

Notes

Once you ge a taste for homemade corn tortillas, the store bought tortillas will just not be as good. Well, unless you live in a big city with an awesome tortilleria!
Find what cooking surface works best for you. I have tried cast iron, metal and nonstick cooking surfaces. The nonstick comal or griddle works best for me with corn tortillas. Remember the key to getting them to inflate is preheating surface and flipping tortilla as soon as it releases!