The Ultimate Guide to Corn Tortillas: How to Make, Cook, and Enjoy This Gluten-Free Staple
Used in Mexican and Latin American dishes, corn tortillas have become an iconic favorite due to their traditional authenticity, the form versatility and the fact that they are gluten free as well. If you fix tacos, enchiladas, or fried corn tortilla chips, then knowing how to prepare and utilize corn tortillas can take your cooking to another level.
What Are Corn Tortillas?
Corn tortillas are flatbreads produced in a thin round shape out of masa harina which is a special corn flour that has been mixed with lime (calcium hydroxide). Nixtamalization is an ancient process that supplemented the nutritional quality and the flavor of the corn.
Corn tortillas contain no wheat or lard or shortening which can both be found in flour tortillas and are naturally gluten-free and lower in fat content thus making them the great alternative to health conscious consumers.
How to Make Corn Tortillas from Scratch
Making homemade corn tortillas is simpler than you might think. Here's a quick and easy guide:
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 Cup Almond Flour•2 Tbsp of Coconut Flour
- 1.5 Tsp of Baking Powder
- 2 Tbsp Whole Psyllium Husk
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Cup Lupin Flour
- 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil
- 1/4 Tsp of Xanthan Gum
- 1 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Egg White
- 1/8 Tsp of Chili Powder
- 1/8 Tsp of Ground Cumin
- 1/4 Tsp of Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Tsp of Onion Powder
- 1 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Warm Water
- 1/4 Tsp OOOFlavors Corn Tortilla Flavoring
DIRECTIONS
- Add your dry ingredients to a bowl and mix well.
- Add olive oil to your dry ingredients & mix until well blended.
- Add in boiling water, apple cider vinegar, Corn Tortilla Flavoring, & mix well until you can form a ball.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes.
- If the mix looks too dry add more hot water 1 Tbsp at a time. Keep dough covered with a damp paper towel while you make your tortillas.
- Dough should be slightly sticky (kind of like play-doh) & hold shape when rolled into a ball without too much cracking. If dough dries out, wet hands with warm water and sprinkle some water over the dough and knead again.
- Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball & press it in a tortilla press lined with a lightly oiled ziploc bag.
- Carefully remove tortilla from press and place in a lightly oiled hot pan over medium heat. Cook for approx 2-3 minutes per side. Place tortillas in a warmer or on a plate covered with a clean dish towel. Serve warm.
Are Corn Tortillas Healthy?
Corn tortillas can be a pretty good, nutritious choice when it is eaten in moderation. Here’s why:
Nutritional Benefits (per 6-inch tortilla:
- Calories: ~50–60
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Carbs: ~10–12g
- Protein: 1g
Fact is that corn is a whole grain and because it went through nixtamalization, it’s more bioavailable and has more calcium, fiber and antioxidants. Rather than flour tortillas, corn tortillas are:
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Fewer in calories and fat
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Higher in fiber
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Less harder to digest
And you know if you are low-carb loser or gluten hater, corn tortillas are a better option.
How Many Calories in a Corn Tortilla?
It is one of the frequently asked questions on corn tortillas.
On average:
- A typical 6-inch corn tortilla contains 50-60 calories.
- Bigger ones (8-inch or taco shell fashion) can contain 80-120 calories.
When considering the nutritional content as well as the number of calories in the food, corn tortillas are a better substitute to flour tortillas whose average content lies between 120-150 calories per serve.
How to Cook Corn Tortillas the Right Way
Obviously, the corn tortillas need to be cooked in a way that will bring out the best in terms of flavor and texture:
1. Ready a Skillet or Griddle (Comal):
The medium-high heat is to be used, and the oil should not be put in.
2. Each side for 30 sec to 1 minute:
Turn after bubbles or light brown.
3. The format of Stack and Cover:
Pile tortillas in a clean towel as you cook in order to keep warm and soft.
Bonus Tip: Lightly moisten each side of it with some water in the case they feel dry before bringing it back to temperature.
How to Warm Up Corn Tortillas:
Proper heating of corn tortillas helps them not to crack and brings the natural flavor.
3 Simple Ways:
1. On Top of the Stove:
Carefully place it (carefully) directly upon a skillet or gas burner a few seconds on each side.
2. On the Microwave:
Put in a wet paper towel and microwave 30160 seconds.
3. Ovens:
Line up up to ten tortillas in a pouch of foil and heat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
Do not dry-warm tortillas in a cold pan; they will get tough and break.
How to Fry Corn Tortillas
In the mood to make crunchy taco shells or tostadas or tortilla chips?
The Way to Fry Corn Tortillas:
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Heat skillet (usually about 1/2 inch deep) of oil to 350F.
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Chop tortillas (and make chips) in halves or quarters.
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Cook in 30-60 seconds per side till gold brown.
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On paper towels drain and sprinkle with salt when hot.
Crispy Corn tortillas form a crunchy snack and indispensible in the chilaquiles or nachos.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I freeze homemade corn tortillas?
Yes! Just part with parchment paper and keep in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. -
Why do my corn tortillas crack when folding?
Probably they are too dry or too cold. Gentle warmings before use and care that the dough is not too dry in the preparation. -
What's the difference between white and yellow corn tortillas?
Yellow corn is more flavorful with an even more bold texture. White is milder and softer.
Corn tortillas cannot be discussed as a side dish, as they are the base of millions of tasty combinations. These tips will help you make, cook, warm and enjoy them like a pro. Our OOOFlavors collection of Mexican flavorings and baked goods also have other flavor additions to your culinary inventions.
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Recipe By: @@finding_katie_d
