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April 4, 2022

Homemade Masa Harina Tortillas

by Slow Down Company

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gluten free / grain free / refined sugar free

Masa harina tortillas are nutritionally superior

To make masa harina tortillas, corn (maize) is dried, soaked in limewater, dried again, then ground into a fine powder. This process is called nixtamalization and is native to Mexico, where the process is used in hundreds of dishes from soups, casseroles, cornbread, polenta and tamales.

The nixtamalization process makes masa harina tortillas nutritionally superior to other tortillas. This is because the nixtamalization process “neutralizes antinutrients such as phytic acid, raises the calcium content by up to 400%, increases the protein quality by improving the amino acid balance and digestibility, and releases niacin from its bound form, which is unavailable to our bodies” as Dr. Bill Schindler eloquently puts it in his book Eat Like a Human. Without this traditional Mesoamerican process, the nutrition in corn is not bioavailable and passes right through our digestive tract.

Kitchen essentials
  • A large mixing bowl
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • A large skillet
Substitutes
  • Avocado oil: the avocado oil in the tortillas can be substituted with any oil of choice. The avocado oil used for frying the tortillas can be substituted for another high heat cooking fat like tallow, lard or ghee.
Fun ways to use these masa harina tortillas
  • For tacos (including breakfast tacos!)
  • To make tortilla chips (make nachos!)
  • On top of tortilla soup
  • For tostadas
  • Burrito Bake
Different ways to store tortillas
  • Store dough: prepared dough can be placed in the fridge – covered or wrapped – for a couple of days. If the dough feels dry, wet your hands and work it into the dough until it feels rehydrated again. Then cook following the instructions below.
  • Store uncooked tortillas: It’s a great idea to make a large batch of masa harina tortillas and throw some in the freezer for a later use. Store fresh pressed (uncooked) tortillas by stacking them with a piece of parchment paper in between each one to prevent sticking. Place in an air-tight container. Defrost then cook per instructions below. Tortillas can be frozen for one year.
  • Store cooked tortillas: store in the same manner as uncooked tortillas. When ready to use, thaw and reheat in a skillet. You can also wrap them in aluminum foil and stick them in the oven at 350 F for 5 to 10 minutes.
Masa Harina Tortillas
Masa Harina Tortillas
Masa Harina Tortillas

Homemade Masa Harina Tortillas

Recipe by Vita Pura Health Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy
Yields

16

tortillas
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups masa harina flour

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 2 tsp avocado oil (and more for frying, optional)

  • 1 2/3 cups warm water

Directions

  • Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  • Add in wet ingredients. First add in the oil, then slowly pour the warm water in.
  • Mix! Use a spatula or large spoon to mix ingredients as much as you can, then work with your hands until a cohesive dough is formed. Knead dough for about 1 minute.
  • Shape tortillas. Divide dough into 16 balls. For easy, uniform balls, split dough in half down the middle, then split your new section in half, then split each of those new sections in half two more times.
    Roll each section into a ball. If at any time the dough feels dry, just lightly wet your hands and work into dough.
    Sandwich one dough ball in between two pieces of parchment paper. Use the bottom of your skillet pan to flatten the ball until it forms a 4 inch tortilla. You can also use a rolling pin if needed.
  • Pan fry tortillas. Add a thin layer of avocado oil (optional) to skillet on medium-high heat. Place as many tortillas into the pan as can fit. Cook for about 40-60 seconds per side. You should see some light browning appear. Wrap in a clean dish towel to stay warm and soft and repeat with remaining tortillas.

Notes

  • The original recipe yields 16 small tortillas, about 4 inches each.
  • The nutrition label is based on 4 servings, 4 tortillas per serving.
  • See notes above for freezing/storing options.

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Nutrition Facts

4 servings per container

Serving Size1 servings


Calories279

  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 4.9g 8%
    • Saturated Fat 0.6g 3%
    • Trans Fat 0.0g
  • Cholesterol 0.0mg 0%
  • Sodium 150.9mg 7%
  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Total Carbohydrate 54.6g 19%
    • Dietary Fiber 4.6g 19%
    • Sugars 1.1g
  • Protein 6.0g 12%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

    Yum

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    Bianca Soucy, Certified Health Coach

    me

    Hey there! I’m Bianca. I have a passion for creating simple, yet nourishing meals with local and seasonally available ingredients. I’m always dreaming of a slow, easy-going lifestyle – one where a homecooked meal can bring us all together. You can learn more about me by clicking here.

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