ALMOST-FROM-SCRATCH CORN TORTILLAS

Almost-From-Scratch Corn Tortillas image

Here is a relatively easy project that can deliver what may be the best tortillas you've ever had: Masa harina mixed with water and a little fat, left to rest for a while, then pressed and griddled. The recipe makes 12 to 16, enough for a taco party.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories breakfast, brunch, dinner, easy, lunch, project, appetizer, main course, side dish

Time 1h

Yield 12 to 16 tortillas

Number Of Ingredients 5

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups masa harina
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, lard or butter
About 1 cup hot water, or more as needed
Flour for kneading

Steps:

Combine the masa and salt in a bowl; stir in the oil. Slowly stream in the water while mixing with your hand or a wooden spoon until the dough comes together into a ball.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until it is smooth and elastic - just a minute or two. Wrap in plastic, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours.
Break off pieces of the dough (you're shooting for 12 to 16 tortillas total), and lightly flour them. Put them between 2 sheets of plastic wrap, and press them in a tortilla press, or roll them out or press them with your hands to a diameter of 4 to 6 inches. Begin to cook the tortillas as you finish pressing or rolling them.
Put a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Cook the tortillas, 1 or 2 at a time, until brown spots appear on the bottom, about a minute. Flip, and do the same on the other side. Wrap the cooked tortillas in a towel to keep them warm; serve immediately, or cool and store tightly wrapped in the fridge for a few days.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 63, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 43 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams