Mexican Flatbread Recipe: What is Mexican Flatbread Called?

Wondering what is Mexican flatbread called? The answer is tortillas, an iconic part of Mexican cuisine. Whether made from corn or flour, tortillas serve as the base for many traditional dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Mexican flatbread at home with step-by-step instructions, tips, and pairing suggestions.

For more about other types of Mexican breads, check out this article on Mexican bread and what is the name of Mexican bread.

Ingredients for Mexican Flatbread (Tortillas)

When exploring what is Mexican flatbread called, understanding the ingredients is essential. Both corn and flour tortillas have simple ingredients that contribute to their flavor and texture. Here’s what you need to know about the key components of this traditional flatbread.

Learn more about the difference between taquitos and flautas to see how tortillas play a role in different Mexican dishes.

For Corn Tortillas:

1. Masa Harina (2 cups): This is the main ingredient in corn tortillas. Masa harina, made from dried corn treated with lime, gives the tortillas their distinct texture and flavor. If you don’t have masa harina, substitute it with finely ground cornmeal, but expect a less authentic taste.
2. Warm Water (1 ½ cups): Water binds the masa harina together and forms the dough. Warm water works best to activate the masa.
3. Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavor of the corn. You can leave it out if you’re reducing sodium, but it might make the tortillas taste bland.

For Flour Tortillas:

1. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The flour provides the base for the tortillas, giving them structure and softness. You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though the tortillas will be heavier.
2. Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): This makes the tortillas puff up slightly, giving them a light, airy texture. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the tortillas will be thicker.
3. Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt boosts the flavor of the flour tortillas.
4. Vegetable Oil (3 tablespoons): Oil keeps the dough soft and moist. You can use any neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, or swap it for melted butter if you want a richer flavor.
5. Warm Water (¾ cup): Water helps the dough come together and makes it easy to work with.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Mexican Flatbread

Now that we’ve answered what is Mexican flatbread called, let’s dive into the process of making tortillas. Whether you’re making corn or flour tortillas, these steps will guide you through the process of creating this classic Mexican flatbread from scratch.

If you’ve ever wondered is a flauta made from corn or flour, check out this comprehensive recipe for a deeper understanding of the tortillas used in these popular dishes.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

For Corn Tortillas:

1. Mix Masa Harina and Salt: In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt to ensure the salt spreads evenly.
2. Slowly Add Warm Water: Gradually pour warm water into the masa mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the consistency is right.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until it feels smooth and pliable. The dough should be soft, but not sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rest: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the masa to fully hydrate, making the tortillas easier to roll and cook.

For Flour Tortillas:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Add Oil: Drizzle the vegetable oil into the flour mixture and mix it with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Warm Water: Pour warm water into the mixture and stir until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time.
4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This helps make the tortillas soft and pliable.

Step 2: Shape the Tortillas

If you’re still wondering what is Mexican flatbread called and how to perfect it, the next step is shaping the tortillas. Whether you’re making corn or flour tortillas, this step is crucial to ensure your tortillas have the right size and texture.

1. Divide the Dough: Whether you’re making corn or flour tortillas, divide the dough into equal portions. For small tortillas, divide the dough into 10-12 balls. For larger tortillas, divide it into 6-8 balls.
2. Flatten the Dough: Use a tortilla press for corn tortillas or a rolling pin for flour tortillas to flatten each ball into a thin, even circle. Aim for about 6-8 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a tortilla press, place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and press with a heavy object.
3. Ensure the Right Thickness: Make sure the tortillas are thin enough to be flexible but not so thin that they tear. Flour tortillas should be slightly thicker than corn tortillas.

Step 3: Cooking the Tortillas

Now that you’ve shaped the dough, the next step in making Mexican flatbread, or tortillas, is cooking them properly.

1. Preheat a Griddle or Pan: Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before cooking the tortillas to achieve even browning.
2. Cook the Tortillas: Place one tortilla at a time onto the hot pan. Cook for about 30-60 seconds on each side, or until brown spots appear. If you’re cooking flour tortillas, they might puff up, which indicates they are cooking correctly.
3. Keep the Tortillas Warm: Transfer the cooked tortillas to a plate and cover them with a clean towel to keep them soft and warm. Exposing them to air for too long can cause them to harden.

Tips for the Best Mexican Flatbread

If you’re still asking what is Mexican flatbread called and how to make it perfectly, these tips will help. From choosing the freshest ingredients to cooking at the right temperature, these steps ensure you’ll create soft and delicious tortillas every time.

1. Use Fresh Masa Harina: Always choose fresh masa harina when making corn tortillas. Using stale masa harina can result in dry, crumbly tortillas.
2. Add Water Gradually: Slowly add water to control the dough’s consistency. Adjust as needed to avoid sticky or dry dough.
3. Don’t Skip Resting the Dough: Letting the dough rest allows it to fully absorb the water, which makes the tortillas easier to roll and cook.
4. Cook at the Right Temperature: If your tortillas are stiff, it might be because the skillet isn’t hot enough. Preheating the pan ensures better results.
5. Keep Tortillas Soft: To prevent your tortillas from drying out, wrap them in a damp cloth or store them in a sealed container until you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Mexican flatbread called and what’s the difference between corn and flour tortillas? Mexican flatbread is called tortillas. Corn tortillas use masa harina, giving them a firm, rustic texture, while flour tortillas are softer and use all-purpose flour.
2. Can I freeze tortillas once I’ve made them? Yes, you can freeze tortillas after making them. Place parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent sticking, and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
3. How do I reheat tortillas without drying them out? The best way to reheat tortillas is on a skillet for a few seconds on each side. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
4. Can I make gluten-free flour tortillas? Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour, but the texture might differ slightly. You might also need to adjust the water ratio.
5. Can I replace oil with butter in flour tortillas? Yes, you can use melted butter instead of oil in flour tortillas for a richer flavor. Just make sure the butter is melted completely before mixing it into the dough.

Pairing Suggestions

Mexican flatbreads, or tortillas, pair well with many different dishes. Here are some great ideas:

1. Tacos: Fill your tortillas with grilled chicken, beef, or sautéed vegetables for traditional tacos.
2. Quesadillas: Layer cheese and fillings between two tortillas, then grill them until crispy for a quick meal.
3. Fajitas: Serve your tortillas alongside sizzling fajita meat and vegetables for a full meal.
4. Dips: Tortillas are perfect for dipping into guacamole, salsa, or queso.

Conclusion: The Comfort and Versatility of Mexican Flatbread

Now that you know the answer to what is Mexican flatbread called—tortillas—you can appreciate how essential they are to Mexican cuisine. Whether you prefer the firm texture of corn tortillas or the soft chewiness of flour tortillas, Mexican flatbread is a versatile, comforting staple. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these tortillas will complement many different meals.