Blue Corn Tortillas

Fluffy gluten free tortillas that are quick and simple to make!

Blue corn has a long and rich history in the Americas, as it was a staple in many indigenous peoples' diets, most notably the Hopi and Navajo. It is a little more difficult to grow, and more nutrient rich (a higher protein to starch content than white corn). This is why it's a little more expensive than typical masa harina. However, I think it really is a lot tastier. Plus, it is another way of supporting indigenous agriculture and creating a drive to maintain heirloom crops - which is good for the planet and our health!

These tortillas are what plastic free tortilla dreams are made of! Traditional, lower glycemic index blue corn paired with light weight tapioca flour ensure that tortillas remain both held together and fluffy. I have attempted many versions with different ratios of multiple flours, in addition to trying simply blue corn and water. By far the easiest and most forgiving version is what I am presenting here. It won't stick to the wax paper, it won't crack when you fold it to lift your tacos, and it fluffs up really nicely. Finally, it maintains that lovely, nutty taste lended by the blue corn. 

You'll need: 

• 1 cup blue corn masa (I use Maseca Azul and I recommend using it because other brands have failed me in the past)
• 1 cup boiling hot water
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour (I use Bob's Red Mill... I purchased a 25 lb bag - it's paper!)
• pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• wax paper
• tortilla press
• cast iron or non-stick pan

 

 

Method: 

1. Add 1 cup blue corn and 1 cup boiling water into a bowl and stir together. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. 
2. Heat a skillet on medium heat - no oil or butter!
3. Add 1/2 cup tapioca flour to masa and form into a ball 
4. Roll into golf ball sized dough balls and dust in some more corn meal. 
5. Put ball onto tortilla press between two sheets of wax paper and press down. 
6. Cook for 2-4 minutes on both sides, it should puff up and create air pockets in a few spots. 
7. Ta-da! I recommend Half Baked Harvest crockpot carne asada tacos :)