How To Make A Tortilla With Masa Harina

Introduction

Making tortillas with masa harina is a straightforward and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade tortillas anytime. This guide will walk you through the steps to create soft and delicious tortillas using masa harina, water, and a few essential tools.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

To get started, you'll need the following:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • Approximately 2 cups water (adjust as needed)

• Tools:

  • Tortilla press
  • Comal (a flat griddle)
  • Plastic wrap or a plastic bag for pressing the tortillas

Step 2: Prepare the Masa

1. Measure out 2 cups of masa harina and place it in a mixing bowl.
2. Gradually add water, starting with about 1.5 cups, and mix thoroughly.
3. Continue adding water until the masa feels wet, workable, but not sticky. It should take about 3 to 5 minutes of mixing.
4. If you accidentally add too much water, balance it by adding a little more masa harina.

Step 3: Shape the Tortillas

1. Break off a golf ball-sized portion of the masa. The size is adjustable based on how large you want your tortillas.
2. Place the masa ball between two pieces of plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
3. Press down on the tortilla press with moderate pressure to flatten the masa. Aim for a thickness of about an eighth of an inch.

Step 4: Cook the Tortillas

1. Carefully peel off the top layer of plastic and transfer the tortilla to your hand.
2. Gently place the tortilla on the preheated comal.
3. Cook each side for about 15 to 20 seconds. Ideally, you want to see some puffing action, which indicates moisture is trapped inside.
4. Flip the tortilla and repeat the process for the second side.

Step 5: Achieve the Perfect Puff

1. After searing both sides, place the tortilla back on the original side.
2. If needed, apply a little pressure with your hand to ensure even cooking and to help it puff.
3. Look for char marks, which add flavor.

Step 6: Keep Tortillas Warm

1. Once cooked, transfer the tortillas to a tortilla warmer. This helps them steam and maintain elasticity.
2. Allow them to steam for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Test for Quality

1. Perform the crumple test: Take a tortilla and crumple it in your hand.
2. When you release it, it should not crack and should have a good amount of elasticity.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully made homemade tortillas using masa harina. Enjoy them with your favorite fillings or dishes. Remember to practice for the perfect puff, and don't hesitate to adjust your technique based on your preference for thickness and size. Enjoy your culinary adventure with fresh tortillas!