Published on Friday, September 29, 2023
 

 

By Melissa Pette

We all love tortillas! 

A staple in Mexican cuisine, tortillas have a significant influence on American food culture. Similarly, in Costa Rica, where breakfast, lunch, or dinner can't be complete without a tortilla.

The tortilla is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes: burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. Their adaptability makes them appealing to a wide range of tastes.

The story goes that tortillas came about at the same time corn was domesticated, making this one of the longest popular foods in ancient Mesoamerica and now beyond these borderlands.

Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, which already appeal to individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.

There is the second popular form of tortillas made of flour. Alternatives are made with wheat and nopal.

We'll stick with the corn tortillas. Making them from scratch is a challenging rewarding process, and it results in fresh, delicious tortillas. 

So, let's go to the kitchen!

The ingredients for 4 to 6 tortillas are:

• 2 cups of all-purpose corn flour.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 3/4 cup warm water.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter.

First, let's mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Then, add wet ingredients. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the warm water and vegetable oil (or melted butter).

The dough. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. You can use a spoon initially, but eventually, you may need to use your hands.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth.

Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the mix to relax and makes the dough easier to roll.

If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a bit more water.

After resting, divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions.

On a floured surface, roll each portion into a thin, round tortilla. Aim for about 8 inches (20 centimeters) in diameter.

Use a tortilla press if one is available. It's not necessary, but it does make rolling out the dough easier.

Heat a griddle or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Once hot, place a rolled-out tortilla on the griddle or skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or until small brown spots appear. The tortilla should puff slightly.

Cooking times may vary depending on the heat of the griddle or skillet, so adjust as needed.

Repeat the rolling and cooking process with the remaining portions of dough.

When done cooking each tortilla, stack them on a plate with a clean kitchen towel covering them to keep them warm.

Listo! Serve the warm tortillas with your favorite ingredients such as cheese, meats, beans, or veggies.  

They can be a versatile addition to various dishes, from tacos to quesadillas or just spread some butter on top of those delicious tortillas!

Don't miss your cup of coffee and enjoy your homemade tortillas! 

Have a Pura Vida weekend!

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Find more tasty step-by-step Costa Rican food recipes on the AM Costa Rica Food & Good Eating page. You are invited to share your favorite recipes with a horizontal photo of the dish by emailing food@amcostarica.com.