16 New Mexico Corn Tortilla Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: May 10, 2024
When it comes to traditional Mexican cuisine, nothing beats the taste of a freshly made corn tortilla. This staple food has been a part of Mexican culture for centuries and has gained popularity all over the world. While there are many variations of corn tortilla recipes, the one from New Mexico stands out for its unique flavor and texture. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the New Mexico corn tortilla recipe and learn how to make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Monterey Jack Cheese, Butter
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you've probably had quesadillas before. But have you ever tried making them with corn tortillas? This simple twist on a classic dish adds a unique flavor and texture that will have you coming back for seconds.
To make corn tortilla quesadillas, start by heating a pan on medium-high heat and adding a small amount of oil. Place a corn tortilla in the pan and top it with your choice of fillings, such as shredded chicken, cheese, and pico de gallo. Place another corn tortilla on top, and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are lightly browned. Flip the quesadilla and let the other side cook for a few more minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, like sour cream and guacamole.
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Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Corn Oil, Salt, Lime Juice
Why buy store-bought tortilla chips when you can make your own at home? Homemade corn tortilla chips are easy to make and taste much fresher than the packaged versions. Plus, you can customize the seasonings to your liking.
To make homemade corn tortilla chips, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut corn tortillas into triangles and place them on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the tortillas with oil and sprinkle with your desired seasonings, such as chili powder, cumin, and salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chips are crispy and lightly golden. Serve with your favorite salsa or dip.
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Huevos Rancheros
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Corn Tortillas, Black Beans
A classic Mexican breakfast dish, huevos rancheros is a hearty and flavorful way to start your day. Traditionally, it consists of fried eggs served on top of a corn tortilla and smothered in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
To make huevos rancheros, start by heating a pan on medium heat and adding a small amount of oil. Place a corn tortilla in the pan and crack an egg on top. Let the egg cook for a few minutes, then carefully flip the tortilla and egg together. Once the egg is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and top with a homemade or store-bought red sauce. Serve with beans, rice, and your choice of toppings, like avocado, cilantro, and queso fresco.
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Birria Tacos
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank, Sirloin, Peppers, Chipotle Peppers In
Birria tacos are a popular street food in Mexico, and for good reason. These juicy and flavorful tacos are made with shredded beef that has been slow-cooked in a rich and spicy broth. They are then topped with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.
To make birria tacos, start by preparing the broth. In a large pot, combine beef, onions, garlic, spices, and broth. Let it simmer for several hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds. Once the beef is ready, assemble your tacos by warming up corn tortillas, adding the shredded beef, and topping it with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can also dip the tacos in the flavorful broth for an extra burst of flavor.
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Easy Chicken Enchilada
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Enchilada
Enchiladas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious and satisfying rolled tortillas are filled with a variety of fillings, such as chicken, cheese, and veggies, and then topped with a savory sauce and more cheese.
To make an easy chicken enchilada casserole, start by cooking and shredding chicken. Mix the chicken with your choice of fillings, such as black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Roll the filling in corn tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Top with a homemade or store-bought red or green enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite toppings, like sour cream and avocado.
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Instant Pot Birria Tacos with Consomé - Birria Quesa...
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Water, Onion, Roma Tomatoes, Vegetable
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of birria tacos, try making them in an Instant Pot. This recipe uses the pressure cooker function to quickly cook the beef and create a rich and flavorful consomé, a clear broth that is served alongside the tacos.
To make Instant Pot birria tacos, start by seasoning and browning beef in the Instant Pot. Add in onions, garlic, spices, and broth, and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. Once the beef is tender, shred it and assemble your tacos with corn tortillas, beef, and toppings such as cilantro, onion, and avocado. Serve with the consomé on the side for dipping.
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Fish Tacos
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Fresh Lime Juice, Garlic Clove, Chili
Fish tacos may not be as well-known as other Mexican dishes, but they are just as delicious. These tacos are made with a crispy and flavorful fish, such as tilapia or cod, and topped with fresh and bright flavors like mango salsa and avocado crema.
To make fish tacos, start by preparing a beer batter for the fish. Dip the fish in the batter and fry until crispy. Warm up corn tortillas and assemble the tacos with the fish, mango salsa, avocado crema, and any other desired toppings, like shredded cabbage and lime wedges. These tacos are sure to be a hit at any summer gathering or taco night.
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Baja Fish Tacos
Main Ingredients: Fish, All Purpose Flour, Beer, Baking Powder, Salt
Baja fish tacos are a specific type of fish taco that originated in the Baja California region of Mexico. These tacos are made with battered and fried fish, topped with a creamy and tangy chipotle sauce, and served on a corn tortilla with cabbage and cilantro.
To make Baja fish tacos, start by preparing the chipotle sauce by blending chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with mayo and lime juice. Set aside. Dip the fish in a beer batter and fry until crispy. Warm up corn tortillas and assemble the tacos with the fish, cabbage, cilantro, and chipotle sauce. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top.
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Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Minced Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Diced
We've already talked about chicken enchiladas, but there are endless variations of this classic dish. You can make enchiladas with a variety of fillings, such as beef, cheese, beans, or veggies, and top them with red, green, or mole sauce.
To make enchiladas, start by preparing your filling of choice and rolling it in corn tortillas. Place the filled tortillas in a baking dish and cover with your desired sauce. Top with cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through. Serve with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, avocado, and cotija cheese.
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Shrimp Tacos
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Sriracha Sauce, Water, Corn
For a lighter and seafood-filled option, try making shrimp tacos. These tacos are made with marinated and grilled shrimp, topped with fresh and flavorful ingredients like pineapple salsa and avocado cream.
To make shrimp tacos, start by marinating shrimp in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Grill the shrimp until cooked through and assemble the tacos with corn tortillas, shrimp, and toppings such as pineapple salsa and avocado cream, made by blending avocado, sour cream, and lime juice. These tacos are perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Chicken Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Enchilada Sauce
Another variation of chicken enchiladas is to make them with a creamy white sauce instead of the traditional red sauce. These chicken enchiladas are just as delicious and are a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor.
To make creamy chicken enchiladas, start by cooking and shredding chicken and mixing it with a creamy sauce made from sour cream, green chilies, and spices. Roll the filling in corn tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Cover with more of the creamy sauce and top with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through. Serve with your desired toppings, like cilantro and pickled red onions.
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Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno, Ground Cumin, Chili
Another popular Mexican dish is tortilla soup, a flavorful and comforting soup made with chicken, veggies, and tortilla strips. This soup is perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather.
To make chicken tortilla soup, start by cooking chicken in a pot with broth and spices. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it. Add in veggies like onions, peppers, and corn, and let them cook until tender. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add in crushed tortilla chips, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve hot with additional tortilla strips and toppings like avocado and queso fresco.
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Beef Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Salt, Enchilada Sauce
If you're looking for a hearty and filling meal, try making a beef enchilada casserole. This dish is made with layers of corn tortillas, beef, beans, and cheese, and is topped with a savory enchilada sauce.
To make beef enchilada casserole, start by cooking and seasoning ground beef. Layer corn tortillas, beef, refried beans, and cheese in a baking dish. Repeat until all the ingredients are used, and top with enchilada sauce and more cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Serve with your favorite toppings, like jalapeños and sour cream.
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New Mexico Red Chile Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Cooking Oil, Finely Chopped Onions
New Mexico is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, and this enchilada casserole is no exception. Made with a red chile sauce and filled with shredded chicken, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat.
To make New Mexico red chile enchilada casserole, start by preparing a red chile sauce by blending red chiles, garlic, and spices. Layer corn tortillas, shredded chicken, and the sauce in a baking dish. Repeat until all the ingredients are used, and top with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
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New Mexico Carne Adovada
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Red Chile Sauce, Seasoning, Adobo
Another popular dish from New Mexico is carne adovada, a pork dish that has been marinated and cooked in a spicy and flavorful red chile sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your dinner guests.
To make New Mexico carne adovada, start by marinating pork in a mixture of red chile sauce, garlic, and spices. Let it marinate for several hours or overnight. Then, cook the pork in the marinade until tender and shred it. Serve the pork in corn tortillas and top with your desired toppings, like cilantro and pickled red onions.
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Shredded Chicken Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Enchilada Sauce, Kosher Salt, Chicken, Ground
Another variation of chicken enchiladas is to use shredded chicken instead of ground chicken. These enchiladas are filled with tender and flavorful shredded chicken and topped with a delicious and slightly spicy green sauce.
To make shredded chicken enchiladas, start by cooking chicken in a pot with broth and spices. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it. Mix the shredded chicken with a green sauce made from tomatillos, green chilies, and spices. Roll the filling in corn tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through. Serve with your desired toppings, like sliced black olives and green onions.
In addition to the classic huevos rancheros, New Mexico is also known for its own unique version of the dish. New Mexico style huevos rancheros is made with a fried egg on top of a corn tortilla and smothered in a flavorful red or green chile sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful way to start your day.
To make New Mexico style huevos rancheros, start by heating a pan on medium heat and adding a small amount of oil. Place a corn tortilla in the pan and fry until crispy. Remove from the pan and top with a fried egg and your desired sauce, either red or green. Serve with beans, rice, and your choice of toppings, like avocado slices and pickled jalapeños.
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New Mexico Red Chile Mole’
Main Ingredients: Red Chiles, Ancho, Chipotle Chile, Pecans, Pistachios
Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce made from a variety of ingredients, such as chiles, spices, and chocolate. This New Mexico red chile mole' adds a unique and delicious flavor to any dish, whether it's used as a sauce for enchiladas or as a marinade for meats.
To make New Mexico red chile mole', start by blending red chiles, spices, and chocolate until smooth. Cook the sauce in a pot until it thickens and becomes a deep red color. Use it as a sauce for your favorite Mexican dishes or as a marinade for chicken or beef. The possibilities are endless with this flavorful sauce.
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Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Lime
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Cilantro Leaves, Green Onions, Limes
This vegetarian option for tacos uses crispy black beans as the filling, which adds a nice crunch and texture. Topped with tangy feta cheese and a squeeze of lime juice, these tacos are bursting with flavor and make for a delicious meatless meal.
To make crispy black bean tacos, start by cooking black beans in a pan with your choice of seasonings, such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Mash the beans slightly and let them cook until crispy. Warm up corn tortillas and assemble the tacos with the crispy black beans, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add additional toppings like sliced radishes and shredded lettuce for extra flavor and texture.
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Sheet-Pan Fish Tacos
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Fine Sea Salt
If you want to make fish tacos but don't want to deal with frying the fish, try making them on a sheet pan instead. This method is simple and efficient, and the end result is just as delicious.
To make sheet-pan fish tacos, start by seasoning fish fillets with your desired seasonings, such as chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Place the fish on a sheet pan and bake in the oven until cooked through. Warm up corn tortillas and assemble the tacos with the fish, toppings like shredded cabbage and avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice. These tacos are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or for feeding a crowd.
The Importance of Corn in Mexican Cuisine
The Main Ingredient
Corn, or "maize" as it is known in Mexico, is one of the most important crops in Mexican cuisine. It has been a staple food for centuries and is used in a wide variety of dishes, including tortillas. Corn is not only a vital source of nutrition but also plays a significant role in Mexican culture and traditions. It is often referred to as the "food of the gods" and is used in ceremonial and religious rituals.
The Art of Nixtamalization
One of the key steps in making authentic corn tortillas is the process of nixtamalization. This ancient technique involves soaking dried corn in an alkaline solution, typically made from limestone or wood ash. This process softens the corn and makes it easier to grind into masa, which is the dough used to make tortillas. Nixtamalization also enhances the nutritional value of corn by making essential nutrients more available for digestion.
The New Mexico Difference
Blue Corn Tortillas
While most tortillas are made from yellow or white corn, the New Mexico corn tortilla recipe uses blue corn. This type of corn is native to the Southwest region of the United States and has a distinct nutty flavor. Blue corn is also known for its higher nutritional value, containing more protein and antioxidants than other types of corn. This not only adds a unique flavor to the tortillas but also makes them a healthier option.
Adding Flavor with Hatch Chiles
Another key ingredient in the New Mexico corn tortilla recipe is the use of hatch chiles. These chiles are grown in the Hatch Valley in New Mexico and are known for their rich, smoky flavor. They are roasted and added to the masa dough, giving the tortillas a subtle heat and a delicious aroma. Hatch chiles are a staple in New Mexican cuisine, and their addition to the corn tortillas takes them to a whole new level of flavor.
Making Your Own New Mexico Corn Tortillas
The Recipe
Now that you know the importance of corn in Mexican cuisine and the unique elements of the New Mexico corn tortilla recipe, it's time to try making them at home. The recipe is relatively simple, requiring only a few ingredients, including blue corn masa, water, and salt. You can also add some roasted hatch chiles for an extra kick of flavor.
The Process
To make the tortillas, mix the masa with water and salt until it forms a smooth dough. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, then divide it into small balls and flatten them into tortillas. Cook the tortillas on a hot, ungreased griddle for about a minute on each side, until they are slightly crisp. Serve them warm and enjoy the unique and delicious taste of New Mexico corn tortillas.
In Conclusion
New Mexico corn tortillas are a delicious and nutritious addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. Their unique flavor and texture, along with the use of traditional ingredients such as blue corn and hatch chiles, make them stand out from other tortillas. So next time you're craving some authentic Mexican food, why not try making your own New Mexico corn tortillas? Your taste buds will thank you.
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