Description
This easy corn tortilla recipe without masa harina brings authentic flavor with vibrant smoked paprika and roasted red pepper swirls, perfect for elevating a weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups finely ground yellow cornmeal
- 1.5 cups hot water
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Roast Red Pepper: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast red bell pepper on a baking sheet until skin blisters and chars, and pepper is soft (25-30 minutes). Transfer to a bowl, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes. Peel, deseed, and blend into a smooth puree.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine yellow cornmeal and fine sea salt. Gradually pour in hot water and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes to hydrate.
- Knead and Divide: Knead the rested dough for 2-3 minutes until cohesive and smooth. Divide the dough in half; cover one half to keep warm.
- Create Swirl Dough: To the second half of the dough, add the roasted red pepper puree and 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika. Knead until the color is evenly distributed and the dough is a uniform reddish-orange. Adjust consistency with cornmeal or water if needed.
- Shape Swirled Balls: Take small, equal-sized portions (about 1.2 oz or 30-35 g each) of both plain yellow dough and red pepper dough. Gently swirl them together in your palm and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat for all dough.
- Press Tortillas: Heat a cast-iron comal or heavy-bottomed non-stick pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Lightly grease a tortilla press or line with parchment paper. Place one swirled dough ball, flatten gently, then press firmly to form a thin, round 6-inch (15 cm) tortilla. Carefully peel from paper.
- Cook Tortillas: Immediately place the pressed tortilla on the hot comal. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until it puffs, develops golden-brown spots, and light charring appears. Flip and cook until done.
- Serve Warm: Transfer cooked tortillas to a clean kitchen towel or warmer to keep pliable. Garnish with a drizzle of vegetable oil, a pinch of smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
If dough is too sticky, add a tiny bit more cornmeal; if too dry/crumbly, add a few drops of hot water. Ensure dough is properly hydrated and rested to prevent tearing. For best puffing, ensure griddle is very hot and dough is evenly pressed.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tortillas
- Calories: 150 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: easy recipe, homemade tortillas, no masa harina, cornmeal, roasted red pepper, smoked paprika, family dinner, weeknight, vegetarian
