Blue Corn Tortillas

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why make this recipe

Blue Corn Tortillas are a delightful twist on the traditional tortilla. They bring not only a unique color but also a distinct flavor to your meals. Blue corn is packed with nutrients, offering a richer taste and more antioxidants than its yellow or white counterparts. Making your own tortillas at home allows you to control the ingredients, making them fresher and more flavorful than store-bought varieties. These tortillas can be used in various dishes, from tacos to enchiladas, or even enjoyed plain with a bit of butter or cheese.

Making Blue Corn Tortillas is also a fun and engaging activity. It allows you to connect with the history and culture of Mexican cuisine, where tortillas have been a staple for centuries. This recipe is a simple way to appreciate home cooking and enjoy a versatile food item that brings joy to any meal. Whether you are looking to impress your friends at a dinner party or want to create a simple yet satisfying meal for your family, this recipe is for you.

how to make Blue Corn Tortillas

Creating Blue Corn Tortillas at home is straightforward and doesn’t require many ingredients. With just three basic items, you will have delicious, homemade tortillas that are great for various meals. Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

2 cups blue corn masa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups warm water

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the blue corn masa and salt. Mix well to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the masa.
Gradually add the warm water to the masa mixture. Stir the water in slowly while mixing until a moist dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it is too dry, add a little bit more water, one tablespoon at a time.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into small balls about the size of golf balls. You should have around 10-12 balls, depending on your preferred tortilla size.
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick surface for the best results.
Flatten each ball of dough into a thin circle. You can use a tortilla press for uniformity, or if you don’t have one, place the ball between two sheets of wax paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it.
Carefully place the flattened tortilla into the hot skillet. Cook each tortilla for 1-2 minutes on each side. You’ll know the tortilla is ready to flip when you see light brown spots appear, and it puffs slightly.
Once cooked, remove the tortilla from the skillet and place it on a plate. You can keep the tortillas warm by covering them with a clean towel as you cook the remaining tortillas.
Serve your Blue Corn Tortillas warm with your favorite fillings or toppings.

how to serve Blue Corn Tortillas

Blue Corn Tortillas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

Tacos: Fill your tortillas with your chosen protein, such as grilled chicken, beef, or fish. Add toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and salsa for a colorful, vibrant meal.
Quesadillas: Place cheese and other fillings like peppers or mushrooms between two tortillas. Cook on a skillet until the cheese melts, then cut into wedges for serving.
Enchiladas: Roll your tortillas around a filling of choice, place them in a baking dish, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until everything is warm and bubbly.
With Breakfast: Serve your tortillas alongside scrambled eggs, chorizo, or breakfast burritos for a hearty start to the day.
With Soups: Use the tortillas as a side with soups like tortilla soup. They can be enjoyed torn into pieces and added into the soup for a delightful texture and flavor.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these tortillas will be a hit at your table!

how to store Blue Corn Tortillas

Storing Blue Corn Tortillas properly is essential to maintain their freshness and texture. Here are some tips to keep them in the best shape:

Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the tortillas within a few hours, keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. It will help keep them warm and maintain their softness.
Short-term Storage: For up to three days, store the tortillas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent them from drying out.
Long-term Storage: For longer storage, it’s best to freeze the tortillas. Place parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent them from sticking together, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to use them, reheat the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds covered with a damp paper towel.

tips to make Blue Corn Tortillas

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh blue corn masa for the best flavor. Old masa can lead to dry or less flavorful tortillas.
Adjust Water Amount: The amount of water required can vary depending on the humidity in your area, so start with the recommended amount and adjust slowly as needed. You want a pliable dough that’s not too sticky.
Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on your tortillas while they cook. Overcooking can make them hard and less enjoyable. Look for those light brown spots to check the doneness.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the masa for extra flavor. Some people like to include a bit of garlic powder or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Keep Tortillas Warm: A clean kitchen towel over your tortillas once they cook will keep them warm and soft while you finish the batch.

variation

While the basic Blue Corn Tortilla recipe is delicious as is, you can easily modify it or incorporate other ingredients to match your taste. Here are a few variations:

Flavored Tortillas: Add herbs like cilantro or spices such as cumin or smoked paprika directly into the dough for added taste.
Herbed Tortillas: Experiment with incorporating finely chopped spinach or green onions into the masa for a colorful and nutrient-rich twist.
Sweet Tortillas: If you want to make a sweet version for dessert, mix in a tablespoon of sugar and use the tortilla as a base for a fruit filling or dessert taco.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular corn masa instead of blue corn masa?
Yes, you can. However, the flavor and color will differ. Regular corn masa will result in traditional white or yellow tortillas.

2. What if I don’t have a tortilla press?
You can use a rolling pin instead. Just place the dough ball between two sheets of wax paper and roll it out until it’s thin and even.

3. Can I use these tortillas for things other than tacos?
Absolutely! Blue Corn Tortillas are versatile and can be used for quesadillas, enchiladas, or even served with soups and salads.

4. How long does it take to cook the tortillas?
Each tortilla typically takes about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on the heat of your skillet. Look for light brown spots to determine doneness.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Enjoy making and serving your own Blue Corn Tortillas at home! With these simple steps, you’ll create delicious, colorful, and nutritious tortillas perfect for any meal.