Tortillas are a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Mexican and Latin American cooking. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and enchiladas. While store-bought tortillas are convenient, making your own tortillas from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore the process of making small tortillas, also known as “tortillitas” or “tortillas pequeñas.”
Understanding the Basics of Tortilla Making
Before we dive into the process of making small tortillas, it’s essential to understand the basics of tortilla making. Tortillas are made from a simple dough of masa harina (corn flour), water, and salt. The dough is then kneaded and shaped into small balls, which are flattened into thin disks using a rolling pin or a tortilla press.
The Importance of Masa Harina
Masa harina is a type of corn flour that is made from dried and ground corn kernels that have been soaked in limewater. This process, known as nixtamalization, makes the corn more easily grindable and increases its nutritional value. Masa harina is the foundation of tortilla making, and it’s essential to use high-quality masa harina to produce delicious and authentic tortillas.
Choosing the Right Type of Masa Harina
There are different types of masa harina available, including white, yellow, and blue. White masa harina is the most commonly used type and is made from white corn. Yellow masa harina is made from yellow corn and has a slightly sweeter flavor. Blue masa harina is made from blue corn and has a distinctive blue color and a nuttier flavor.
Preparing the Dough
To make small tortillas, you will need to prepare a dough of masa harina, water, and salt. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of masa harina
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water to the bowl, stirring with a fork to incorporate.
- Continue stirring until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes pliable and smooth.
Kneading the Dough
Kneading the dough is an essential step in making tortillas. It helps to develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the tortillas their strength and flexibility. To knead the dough, simply push down on it with the heel of your hand, then fold it back up onto itself. Repeat this process several times until the dough becomes smooth and pliable.
Shaping the Dough
Once the dough is kneaded, it’s time to shape it into small balls. To do this, simply divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. You can also use a tortilla cutter or a cookie scoop to help shape the dough into uniform balls.
Flattening the Dough
To flatten the dough, you can use a rolling pin or a tortilla press. A tortilla press is a specialized tool that is designed specifically for flattening tortillas. It consists of two flat plates that are hinged together, allowing you to place the dough in the center and squeeze it flat.
To use a rolling pin, simply place the dough ball on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a thin disk. Apply gentle pressure, starting from the center of the dough and working your way outwards.
Tips for Flattening the Dough
- Use a lightly floured surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Apply gentle pressure to avoid tearing the dough.
- Use a rolling pin or tortilla press to flatten the dough evenly.
Cooking the Tortillas
Once the dough is flattened, it’s time to cook the tortillas. You can cook tortillas on a dry griddle or frying pan, or on a comal. A comal is a type of griddle that is specifically designed for cooking tortillas.
To cook the tortillas, simply place them on the griddle or comal and cook for 30-45 seconds on each side. You can also cook tortillas on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Cooking Tortillas
- Use a dry griddle or frying pan to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
- Cook the tortillas over medium heat to prevent burning.
- Use a comal or baking sheet to cook multiple tortillas at once.
Using Your Small Tortillas
Now that you have made your small tortillas, it’s time to use them! You can use them to make a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and enchiladas.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Tacos: Simply fill your tortillas with your favorite taco fillings, such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or refried beans.
- Burritos: Fill your tortillas with beans, cheese, and vegetables, and wrap them up in a large tortilla.
- Quesadillas: Fill your tortillas with cheese and cook them in a dry griddle or frying pan until crispy and melted.
- Enchiladas: Fill your tortillas with meat or cheese and roll them up. Place them in a baking dish and cover with enchilada sauce and cheese.
Experimenting with Different Fillings
One of the best things about making your own tortillas is that you can experiment with different fillings and toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack
Getting Creative with Your Tortillas
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your tortillas! You can use them to make a variety of dishes, from breakfast burritos to dessert crepes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Breakfast burritos: Fill your tortillas with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese.
- Dessert crepes: Fill your tortillas with sweet fillings, such as Nutella or fruit.
- Tortilla chips: Cut your tortillas into triangles and fry them until crispy.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can make delicious small tortillas at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, making your own tortillas is a fun and rewarding experience that will add a new level of flavor and authenticity to your cooking.
What is the ideal type of flour for making small tortillas?
The ideal type of flour for making small tortillas is a type of flour that is high in protein and has a low moisture content. This type of flour will produce a tortilla that is strong, yet pliable and tender. Some examples of flour that are well-suited for making small tortillas include all-purpose flour, bread flour, and masa harina.
When selecting a flour, it’s also important to consider the type of tortilla you are trying to make. For example, if you are making corn tortillas, you will want to use masa harina, which is a type of corn flour that has been treated with lime to make it more easily grindable. On the other hand, if you are making flour tortillas, you can use all-purpose flour or bread flour.
How do I mix the dough for small tortillas?
To mix the dough for small tortillas, you will need to combine the flour, water, and any additional ingredients, such as salt or oil, in a large bowl. Start by adding the flour to the bowl, then gradually add the water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix the dough.
It’s also important to note that the dough should be mixed just until it comes together. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense tortilla. Once the dough has been mixed, knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. This will help to develop the gluten in the dough, which will give the tortilla its strength and structure.
How do I knead the dough for small tortillas?
To knead the dough for small tortillas, start by placing the dough on a lightly floured surface. Use the heel of your hand to push down on the dough, then fold it back up onto itself. Repeat this process several times, until the dough becomes smooth and pliable. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
Kneading the dough is an important step in making small tortillas, as it helps to develop the gluten in the dough. This will give the tortilla its strength and structure, and will help it to hold its shape when it is cooked. It’s also important to knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and pliable. Overkneading can result in a tough, dense tortilla.
How do I divide the dough into small pieces?
To divide the dough into small pieces, start by dividing the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. You can do this by breaking the dough into small balls, or by using a pastry cutter to cut the dough into small pieces. Once you have divided the dough, use your hands to shape each piece into a small ball.
It’s also important to make sure that each piece of dough is roughly the same size, so that the tortillas will cook evenly. You can also use a kitchen scale to weigh each piece of dough, to ensure that they are all the same size.
How do I roll out the dough into small tortillas?
To roll out the dough into small tortillas, start by placing a small ball of dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick. You can also use your hands to shape the dough into a circle, if you prefer.
It’s also important to make sure that the dough is rolled out evenly, so that the tortilla will cook evenly. You can also use a tortilla press to roll out the dough, which will help to ensure that the tortilla is evenly thin.
How do I cook the small tortillas?
To cook the small tortillas, start by heating a dry griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the griddle is hot, place a tortilla on it and cook for 30-45 seconds on each side, until the tortilla is lightly browned and slightly puffed. You can also cook the tortillas on a comal or in a dry skillet.
It’s also important to make sure that the tortillas are cooked evenly, so that they will be tender and pliable. You can also cook the tortillas in a microwave, but this is not recommended, as it can result in a tough, dense tortilla.
How do I store small tortillas?
To store small tortillas, start by wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store them in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or a glass container. It’s also important to make sure that the tortillas are stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
You can also freeze the tortillas, which will help to preserve them for longer. To freeze the tortillas, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tortillas can be cooked straight from the freezer, or thawed at room temperature before cooking.