Description
Learn how to make authentic homemade corn tortillas using masa harina. These tortillas are soft, pliable, and perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or any Mexican dish. Made with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, this recipe yields about 20 delicious tortillas in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups hot water
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the masa harina and salt to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Add Liquids and Form Dough: Pour in the hot water and lime juice, then stir with a fork until the mixture forms a dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky, with a consistency similar to Play-Doh.
- Shape Dough Balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, divide the dough into balls approximately the size of ping pong balls and roll each ball until smooth.
- Prepare Tortilla Press: Line both sides of your tortilla press with thick plastic such as freezer bags to prevent sticking. Place one dough ball in the center and press it to flatten into a thin tortilla.
- Cook Tortillas: Transfer the flattened dough to a hot skillet over medium heat. Cook for 30 seconds, then flip and cook another 30 seconds. Repeat flipping twice more, so each side cooks twice for a total of about 2 minutes. Adjust the heat if you notice black spots forming.
- Repeat for Remaining Dough: Continue pressing and cooking the rest of the balls, stacking cooked tortillas and covering them with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and soft.
Notes
- If the dough is too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is reached.
- Use a tortilla press lined with plastic to easily flatten the dough without sticking.
- Cook tortillas on medium heat to avoid burning and to achieve a flexible texture.
- Store cooked tortillas wrapped in a towel until ready to serve to keep them moist.
- For best flavor, use fresh masa harina and warm water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
