What Is Masa Harina? How is it different than cornmeal?

Masa Harina is often called corn flour, not to be confused with what those in the UK call corn flour, which is actually corn starch. Masa Harina is dough made from fresh corn, that has been dried. For a more thorough explanation, see the article What is Masa Harina on the Mexican Please website.

Is Maseca Masa Harina Gluten Free?

When I first wrote this post in 2014, Maseca masa harina was certified gluten-free through GFCO. However, Maseca no longer participates in this seal program. I emailed the company, asking about their testing procedures. The Quality Director called me personally to describe their manufacturing processes. All Maseca products are ground and packaged in a facility where no other grains are processed.

They train their farmers on how to keep all of their crops separate. In addition, Maseca tests grains coming into the facility prior to grinding, as well as testing finished products weekly. They also yearly send samples of their products to a lab in Nebraska for independent testing. While it may no longer bear the GFCO logo, I feel safe eating it and sharing it with others.

What Can I Make with Maseca Masa Harina?

The first actual “Mexican” food we made were Huaraches. We had spent the day with my parents at Eastern Market in Detroit, and came back tired and hungry. My husband found this recipe on the Maseca website and got to work. Dinner turned out great and we were all well fed.

What are huaraches? Something between a tostada and a taco. Huaraches are served open face, like a tostada. However the flatbread is grilled instead of fried. Huaraches are thicker than a tortilla. They are shaped like an oval, or the bottom of a sandal, which is where they get their name.

The Best Gluten Free Corn Tortillas

Last, but definitely not least, we made homemade Tortillas. The tortilla recipe is right on the bag, which is super handy. (You may also want to check out this Homemade Corn Tortilla recipe from Gimme Some Oven.)  The first time I tried to make them, I rolled out the dough with a roller. It was  a little tricky and definitely not thin or perfectly round like a regular tortilla.

The Search for a Tortilla Press

We stopped at Mexico at the Market, which is located inside the Flint Farmer’s Market. As I was buying some vanilla, I asked the owner where I could buy a tortilla press. He said, ‘You mean like the ones up here on my shelf? That I have for sale?” Score! $20 bucks later I already had visions of tortillas in my head.

Print

Gluten Free Corn Tortillas

Equipment

• Maseca, Corn Masa Flour, 4.4 lb (2 kg)
• Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press, 8 Inches
• Nordic Ware Microwave Tortilla and Pancake Warmer, 10-Inch

Ingredients

• 2 cups Maseca Masa Harina
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 1/2 cups water

Instructions

• Combine ingredients into a large bowl. Mix / knead for 2 minutes until dough forms into a ball.
• Allow dough to rest for 20-30 minutes so the masa can thoroughly absorb the moisture from the water and the oil.
• After the dough has rested, divide dough into one ounce portions. (This should be between 18-20 small balls of dough.)
• Place a square of wax paper or plastic wrap on the bottom of the tortilla press. Place the one ounce dough ball on top of the wax paper,in the center of the tortilla press. Then top with another piece of wax paper / plastic wrap. Finally press the dough until a tortilla forms.
• Cook the tortilla on a preheated griddle, one minute per side.
• Transfer to a container to keep warm until you are ready to serve.

What Else Can I Make with Maseca Masa Harina?

Want more ways to use Maseca? Check out my recipe for pupusas or my baked chicken empanadas. Other recipe suggestions include

• Mexican Atole (hot cinnamon beverage) by Isabel Eats
• Tamales from Dash of Color and Spice
• Masa Harina Orange Sugar Cookies from King Arthur
• Masa Harina Brownies by Masienda
• Masa Harina Thumbprints with Cajeta by Better Homes & Garden
• Masa Harina Pancakes from Hola Jalapeno

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Originally Pubilshed June 2014

The post Cooking with Gluten Free Maseca Masa Harina appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.