Homemade Tortillas

There is simply nothing you can buy that tastes like homemade tortillas and thankfully they’re easy to make. Ideally you need a tortilla press which is a cast iron piece of equipment that lasts forever and is so easy to use the kids can make the tortillas. If you don’t have one you can use a heavy pot and some muscle-power to flatten out the dough into tortillas. The flour used in tortillas is Masa which is ground corn so it’s gluten-free but high in fibre. You can buy it at speciality food stores in a big bag that lasts a long time (depending on how many tortillas you can get through).

INGREDIENTS
Makes 18 small tortillas
275g masa
390-400ml water
generous pinch of salt

• Add the masa, salt and water to a mixing bowl then use your hands to mix everything together. Add 390ml of water first then add an extra drop if it’s a little dry.
• Get a damp, clean cloth to place over the mixing bowl to stop it drying out while you press each tortilla.
• Cut 19 pieces of greaseproof paper or reusable bee’s wax paper the size of the press. Place a piece of paper on the tortilla press then pinch off a golf ball sized piece of dough and roll then place it in the centre of the press and top with another piece of paper then close the press and squeeze the handle.
• I leave the tortillas in the paper until I’m ready to cook and stack them up in a clean tea towel.
• Heat a heavy or cast iron pan on a high heat then cook the tortillas either individually or in batches if your pan is large enough. Cook on one side for about 45-60 seconds until it takes on a little colour then flip and repeat. Stack cooked tortillas in the clean tea towel in a warm place until you’re ready to serve.