Is it possible to prepare store bought corn tortillas so they don't fall apart?
Is it possible to prepare store bought corn tortillas so they don't fall apart? I know they are healthier than flour and they taste fine, but mine frequently fall apart to the point that it isn't a tortilla anymore.
If it is not possible, then can I make them at home myself so that they don't fall apart?
Best Answer
It sounds like you're just buying poorly-made tortillas, or old ones. A reasonably fresh corn tortilla is plenty sturdy for use in tacos or enchiladas. As they get older, they dry out and become more brittle. If you live in a place with a large Mexican population, you may be able to find a local tortilleria which makes fresh tortillas. Failing that, corn tortillas from the grocery store can be adequate as long as they're relatively fresh.
You can also make tortillas at home pretty easily using just corn flour (also known as masa, masa harina, or maseca), water, and a rolling pin. If you want to shape them more perfectly, or if you're going to be using lots of tortillas, you can get a tortilla press:
They are usually made of iron or wood and will let you press balls of masa dough into perfectly-flat tortillas.
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Quick Answer about "Is it possible to prepare store bought corn tortillas so they don't fall apart?"
You can restore some of their pliability with heat. Microwaving the tortillas briefly will make them temporarily pliable. They may still crack when they cool, however. The traditional approach is to dip the tortillas in hot oil.How do you make store bought corn tortillas not fall apart?
Steam corn tortillas in the microwave so they stay pliable and don't split under the weight of taco fillings. Wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels or a damp kitchen towel, then wrap in plastic wrap or place in a microwave-safe resealable plastic bag (keep the bag open to vent).Why are my store bought corn tortillas breaking?
One of the main reasons why corn tortillas tend to break is if they are stale. As soon as a tortilla is more than a few days old, it is no longer flexible enough to accommodate rolling or fillings. The best place to get fresh tortillas is at a traditional tortilleria, a bakery that only makes fresh tortillas.How do you make store bought corn tortillas better?
Enlist your oven, like Food52 community member lisina does: "Wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil and pop them in a 350\xb0F oven for 10 minutes or so. They'll steam inside the packet and stay nice and soft.How do you heat corn tortillas so they don't break?
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Answer 2
Corn tortillas lose their pliability very quickly.
You can restore some of their pliability with heat.
Microwaving the tortillas briefly will make them temporarily pliable. They may still crack when they cool, however.
The traditional approach is to dip the tortillas in hot oil. It's a little messy for me but it works very well and produces enchiladas that have the right texture.
Of course, if your tortillas are very old they may be stale and reheating them won't let them be pliable for long. There's nothing left for those but slicing and frying for corn chips.
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