How to Make Homemade Corn Tortillas

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk the masa harina and salt together.

Step 2

Add the oil to the dry ingredients, and whisk to combine.

Step 3

Slowly pour the warm water over the dry mixture, stirring as you pour.

Step 4

Use your hands to knead the dough for about a minute until a ball forms. The dough shouldn't be too crumbly or too wet (stick to your hands). It should feel like PlayDough. If the dough is too crumbly, add a small amount of water. If the dough is too wet, add a small amount of masa harina.

Step 5

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel, and let the mixture rest (at room temperature) for 30 minutes.

Step 6

After 30 minutes, remove the towel from the bowl. Equally divide the dough into 12 individual balls (the size of a golf ball).

Step 7

Place a large piece of parchment paper, folded in half to cover both sides of the tortilla press, inside the tortilla press (or on the counter if you're using a rolling pin). Place a ball in the center of the tortilla press (on one side of the parchment paper), flatten the ball slightly with your fingertips, and press the tortilla press down over the ball. Open the tortilla press. Remove the tortilla from the press and repeat with the remaining balls. If you're using a rolling pin, simply roll the ball to make a 6-inch circle.

Step 8

Heat a griddle or skillet (no need to oil the pan) on high heat, and cook the tortillas for 2-3 minutes on each side. Brown marks should appear on the tortillas during the cooking process. Remove the tortillas once cooked and place them in a kitchen towel. You can cook the tortillas in batches of 2-3 depending on the size of your skillet/griddle.

Step 9

Let the tortillas rest for a few minutes so they're slightly warm, but not hot. I've found that the tortillas are easier to handle at this stage. Enjoy the tortillas as desired. The tortillas are best served fresh. They will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days. They aren't as pliable when they're stored in a cold environment (the fridge), so I reheat them over the open flame on my gas stove-top.