Handmade Corn Tortillas

July 29, 2012 | 8 Comments

Handmade Corn Tortilla Taco

A few months ago I met two vivacious  Latino American women at a local park. They were close Sisters as well as loving Mothers. While our kids played, we talked about being parents, our families, our cultures and traditions, the weather, food shopping for the freshest produce, and making tortillas. Apparently their mother cranks out dozens of  handmade tortillas for most meals, on a daily basis. One of the sisters told me she makes tortillas and shared the fact that other can’t make them to save her life. They were jolly sisters, and we laughed about that.

Maseca Dough Ball Bowl

The Sister who made tortillas, described the process of making them to me, saying that the recipe was right on the back of the Maseca corn tortilla flour bag, and I was intrigued. I have thought about making them ever since.

Maseca Dough Balls

Last month, while I was at a local grocery store, I purchased Maseca corn tortilla flour, with the thought that one of these days I would make tortillas. Fast forward one month, I made vegetarian pinto beans for the better part of the day yesterday. I had store purchased limes, avocados and Queso Fresco cheese. I also had onions, lettuce, and cilantro from our garden. Thinking about all the ingredients we had in the house, tacos came to mind. Tonight was the night I would be making homemade corn tortillas.

Maseca Dough Ball Tortilla Press

I got out the tortilla press I inherited when I married Dominic. I carefully tore off 2 pieces of plastic wrap, and got to work.

Tortilla Press

Making tortillas has it’s challenges, but for the most part,  is interesting and fun, and very rewardingly delicious.

Flat Tortilla in Press

There were times I forgot to replace the  top piece of plastic wrap, so I had to scrape the moist flat dough round dough off the top round plate, and shape a round again. I must say, after a few times I worked out the kinks, and got in a groove.

Tortilla on Cast Iron

Make sure when you place the uncooked tortilla on the griddle is lays flat and is not buckled. Cooking the tortillas is quick work, so you will want to stand by the griddle the whole time. After about 50-60 seconds, you will be flipping the tortilla over and cooking the other side for another 50-60 seconds.

 

Handmade Corn Tortilla Plate

Feast your eyes on these babies. Fill with beans, cheese, cilantro, avocado, fresh squeezed lime juice, and any other fresh, local ingredients that you enjoy.

Handmade Corn Tortillas
Print
Recipe type: Main Course
Author: Jillian
Serves: 16
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Maseca flour
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
Instructions
  1. Add Maseca flour, kosher salt, and water to medium bowl
  2. Mix with wooden spoon for 2 minutes, to form soft dough
  3. If dough feels dry add more water(1 Tbsp at a time)
  4. Divide dough into 16 different balls
  5. Cover with damp cloth to keep dough balls moist
  6. Line a tortilla press with 2 sheets of plastic wrap
  7. Place each ball in between plastic and press gently until they measure 5-6 inches in diameter(as big as the bottom press plate
  8. Carefully peel of plastic wrap.
  9. Preheat ungreased griddle or skillet( I used a cast iron griddle) on medium high heat
  10. Cook tortillas one at a time for 50 seconds
  11. Carefully flip over and cook other side for 50 more seconds
  12. Cover cloth tortillas with cloth napkin to keep soft and warm
  13. Fill with beans, cheese, cilantro, guacamole, fresh squeezed lime juice, lettuce, and any other fresh ingredients you that you enjoy.
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8 Responses so far.

  1. Melissa says:

    Seriously? I think I need to come over in my Swiper costume and steal some of your kitchen gadgets! So far I have on my swipe list: Ice cream maker, cast iron griddle and now, tortilla press.

    • Jillian says:

      Hi Melissa, Swiper no swiping, swiper no swiping, swiper no swiping! I do have a gadget obsession, huh? Thank you for reading my blog, and taking time to write a comment!

  2. Krista says:

    I also can’t believe you had a tortilla press. You do have all the great gadgets.

    I have been loving corn tortillas so I might have to try these somehow.

    • Jillian says:

      Hi Krista, These corn tortillas were so yummy, I highly recommend you make them. You can use a rolling pin, or just press two plates or pans together and get the tortillas flat that way. It is much easier with a press though. Thank you for reading my blog, and taking time to post a comment!

  3. elizabeth says:

    What can you do if you don’t have a tortilla press? Know where to get one in town? You are making it tough to get back to sleep!!!:)

    • Jillian says:

      Hi Ellie, You can hand roll these with a rolling pin, or press 2 plates together, or press 2 pans together. Hope this helps. You can always borrow our press, or just come over for a taco dinner. They are totally worth figuring it out though. Thank you for reading my blog, and making a comment!

  4. Marcy says:

    Wow! Your site and delicious recipes look amazing. I love tacos! You are making me want to move to Oregon so we can join in on the fun of the friends dinners. The photos of your various dishes are awesome. They look like they are out of a magazine. Keep up the great work.

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