There’s nothing like sitting down to a plate of homemade tacos. The warm, soft tortillas, the savory filling, the juicy toppings… it’s hard to beat. But the process can seem daunting if you’re not used to making tortillas from scratch.
Don’t worry! With a bit of practice, you’ll be churning out perfect tortillas in no time. The most important thing to remember when making tortillas is to keep them warm. Tortillas made with cold ingredients will be tough and won’t hold together as well.
You don’t Need to be a Classically Trained Chef to Make Tortillas
No, you needn’t be a classically trained chef to make tortillas. In fact, the process is quite simple. All you need is some masa harina (a type of corn flour), water, and a little salt. It also helps if you have a cast iron tortilla press to make the process go more smoothly.
To make the tortillas, start by mixing the masa harina and salt together in a large bowl. Slowly add water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a soft dough. Next, divide the dough into small balls and cover them with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
Now it’s Time to Start Pressing the Tortillas
Place a ball of dough in the center of your tortilla press and gently press down to flatten it. If the dough is too sticky, you can dust it with a little additional masa harina. Then, carefully peel the tortilla off of the press and place it on a hot griddle or comal.
Cook the tortilla for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or until it is lightly browned and cooked through. As you cook the tortillas, stack them on a plate and cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm.
Once All of the Tortillas are Cooked, it’s Time to Fill Them!
There are endless possibilities when it comes to filling your tortillas. Try ground beef, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes for a classic taco. Or get creative and try a unique filling like roasted vegetables or barbacoa. The sky’s the limit!
All you Meat Lovers out There, This One’s for You
If you’re looking for a heartier option, try steak tacos. Season some thinly sliced steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then cook it in a hot skillet until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Serve the steak on warm tortillas with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Those who love to grill can toss your steak on the grill for added flavor. Just make sure to cook it long enough so that it’s still juicy and tender. Your family will love these delicious tacos!
Tacos are the Perfect Food That Everyone Loves
Even picky eaters love tacos! They’re easy to customize with your favorite fillings and toppings and are always a hit. But, of course, the difference between a good and a great taco is the quality of the tortilla.
So next time you’re in the mood for tacos, ditch the store-bought shells and try making your own tortillas at home. It’s easier than you think!
