Corn Tortillas

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Rated 4 stars out of 5
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  • Read 7 Reviews
Total Time:
1 hr 30 min
Prep
30 min
Inactive
30 min
Cook
30 min
Yield:
14 to 16 tortillas
Level:
Intermediate
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds Nixtamal, recipe follows
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Place the Nixtamal into the bowl of a food processor and pulse 10 to 15 times. Add 2 tablespoons of the water and pulse 8 to 10 times, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Add 2 more tablespoons of water along with the salt and pulse until a dough begins to form. If the dough is still dry and somewhat crumbly, add the remaining tablespoon of water and pulse several times. Turn the dough out onto the counter and shape into a ball. Wrap the ball of dough in plastic wrap and allow to sit for 30 minutes. *You may also make tortillas from pre-ground masa flour following the directions on the bag.

Preheat a cast iron griddle over medium-high heat until it reaches 400 degrees F.

Divide the dough into 1 1/2-ounce portions, shape into balls, and keep covered with a damp tea towel.

Cut a 1-gallon zip-top bag in half and line the base of a tortilla press with the plastic. Place 1 ball at a time onto the press and top with the other half of the plastic. Close the press and push down firmly several times until the tortilla is flattened. Remove the plastic wrap from the tortilla and place onto the cast iron skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side. Remove the tortilla to a plate lined with a tea towel. Cover the tortilla with a second towel to keep warm. Repeat with all of the dough. Use immediately or store in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nixtamal:

1 pound dried corn kernels, approximately 2 cups

6 cups water

1/2-ounce slaked lime* (commonly called cal), approximately 2 tablespoons

*Cook's Note: Both dried corn and slaked lime (cal) are available online and in most Latin markets.

Rinse the corn under cool water; drain and set aside.

Place the water and the lime into a 3 1/2 to 4-quart, non-reactive stockpot, set over medium-low heat, and stir to combine. Add the corn and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Make sure that it takes at least 30 to 45 minutes to come to a boil. Once the mixture comes to a boil, remove from the heat, cover, and allow to sit at room temperature overnight. Do not refrigerate.

Drain the corn in a large colander and rinse under lukewarm water for 5 to 6 minutes while rubbing the corn kernels between your fingers in order to remove the outer coating. Place the corn into a large bowl, cover with lukewarm water, and allow to soak for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, rinse, and repeat. Use immediately to make masa dough for tortillas.

Yield: approximately 1 1/2 to 2 pounds nixtamal

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Inactive Prep Time: 12 hours

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 7 reviews

  • on May 22, 2010

    Flag

    Alton you are the best! With your knowledge & step by step instructions I have learned so much & have cooked things I never thought was possible. This one is another great one I am adding to my book! Thanks

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  • on August 28, 2009

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    I love this recipe. I've made nixtamal for corn tortillas and tamales before, using a meat grinder, but the food processor yielded better results and in far less time. I can only imagine the time it must take to grind the corn by matate y mano.

    I think perhaps that those who oppose this method must be entrenched in their traditions, which isn't a bad thing, it's actually fantastic. I love to see traditional food preparation and other traditions being passed down. However, for those of us who still want the authentic cuisine, but not the time for it, we welcome with open arms the newer time-saving methods of preparation.

    Thank you Alton Brown!

    Your world's greatest fan! *snicker*

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  • on June 23, 2009

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    First of all, if your masa is "too coarse" just blend it a little more. Second, of course the masa was yellow, it was corn tortillas! And i see nothing wrong with his method. Flipping it excessively is a strange practice which i have never heard of.

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