Fresh Masa Recipes

FRESH MASA CORN TORTILLAS

Steps:

• Knead the masa, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/3 cup water in a large bowl with your hands until well incorporated and the masa is soft and pliable but doesn't stick to your hands, about 4 minutes. If the masa is still dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon or two more water and continue to mix.
• Cut and remove the zip top from a gallon freezer bag. Cut the two sides of the bag leaving the bottom intact so that the bag can open and close like a book. If using a tortilla press, trim the cut sides of the bag to fit the flat surface of the tortilla press. (If you don't have a tortilla press, you can use a smooth-bottomed 10-inch skillet to press and flatten the tortillas. Use the plastic in the same way you would use with the press except place it between the countertop or work surface and the bottom of the skillet.)
• Divide the dough into 12 balls about 1/4 cup each (or 54g.). Arrange them on a rimmed baking sheet and keep covered with a damp kitchen towel until ready to use.
• Heat a medium cast-iron skillet or large griddle over medium-high heat.
• Place the prepared plastic bag inside the press so that the folded side of the bag is on the hinged side of the press. Working with one dough ball at a time, open the press and the top side of the bag and place a ball in the center of the press. Fold the bag over the ball and gently press, holding a steady, firm pressure for a few seconds to flatten the ball to a 7-inch round. Open the press and peel the top bag from the dough. Place the dough on your open palm and peel off the remaining plastic.
• Brush the preheated pan with vegetable oil. Working with one at a time (unless using a large griddle), cook the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, flipping 3 times, until just starting to brown in spots, 90 seconds total. Stack and wrap the tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and keep warm. Repeat pressing and cooking the remaining dough balls.
• Serve the tortillas warm.

FRESH MASA FOR TAMALES

Steps:

• Note: If you are using a hand mixer, divide the ingredients in half and mix in 2 batches. This amount of masa and lard will burn out a hand mixer.
• Beat lard with a stand mixer (or a hand mixer and two large bowls) to the consistency of whipped cream (takes about 15 minutes on highest setting).
• Add 1/3 of masa a little at a time in small, golfball sized pieces.
• Sprinkle baking powder and salt over the lard mixture. Beat until well combined.
• Add remaining masa a little at a time in small, golfball sized pieces.
• With the mixer on slow speed, add the beef broth into whipped lard and masa mixture while the mixer is going.
• Turn the mixer to high and continue whipping the mixture until a small spoonful of masa floats in cold water.

FRESH MASA

Steps:

• In the largest heavy-bottomed pot you have, dissolve the pickling lime in 5¼ quarts (5 L) water. Once all the powder has dissolved, add the corn. The corn should be completely submerged in water. If not, add more water so there is at least 2 inches (5 cm) of water above the corn.
• Place the pot over low-medium heat and gently simmer for 1 hour.
• When the nixtamal changes from white to yellow and the corn easily peels away from its skin, turn off the heat. Let sit for at least 16 hours or more.
• The next morning, dump the pot into a colander on top of your sink and discard the water. Rinse until the water comes out clear. You'll know the corn is ready for masa when it is tender to the bite. It should be al dente like pasta.
• If using a tabletop wet stone grinder, carefully add about 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water in batches to grind a pound (450 g) of cooked nixtamal. Smooth masa for tortillas takes about 40 minutes, and masa quebrajada for tamales and atole takes about half that time. Repeat until you've gone through all the masa. Make sure to follow the instructions and safety guidelines of your grinder.
• Using your hands, work the masa until a dough forms. When all the dough has stuck together and a putty has formed, it is ready.
• The masa will stay fresh for up to a week.