Tacos are a globally loved delicacy that attract people with their unique taste and variety. With their journey from Mexico to America and later to the rest of the world, tacos have become one of the most popular foods or snacks today. Making tacos from tortillas is, of course, a necessity of the dish, as the tortilla is the main ingredient of a taco. Naturally, as people began seeking variety tailored to their taste buds, dietary preferences, or nutrition plans, some changes in traditional dishes like tacos have emerged over time.
Today, we see various ingredients used inside tacos. However, when we look at the original taco, which has become a globally recognized and branded dish, its key ingredient is undoubtedly the tortilla. To making tacos from tortillas, it is essential to prepare a proper tortilla dough. When examining tortilla dough and its history, two types of dough—or rather, flour—come into play. One is the original cornmeal tortilla of Mexico, and the other is the wheat flour tortilla introduced during Spain’s occupation of Mexico. Regardless of which flour is used, the important thing is to achieve the correct consistency of tortilla dough and create delicious tacos, whether soft and pliable or crispy.
What Is a Tortilla?
A tortilla is a cornmeal-based flatbread originating from Mexico. It has various versions in many cuisines worldwide. Made from flour, water, and olive oil, it is one of the essential dough-based foods. Naturally, Mexico’s unique culture and flavors contribute to the creation of incredible dishes with tortillas. To making tacos from tortillas, familiarity with the dough is necessary. After all, the taco shells we see today are readily available in markets. However, due to their “Americanized” appearance and people’s preference for homemade food, culinary enthusiasts are more often directed toward authentic recipes. A tortilla is the most critical component of your dish, so using authentic cornmeal and achieving the right dough consistency is crucial.
What Is a Taco?
Tacos are among the most popular light snack meals globally. Often, people mistakenly think of tacos as an American dish due to their spread from America. However, tacos are a Mexican dish with a history rooted in ancient times. Tacos were among the most nutritious foods for Mexico’s miners, being light, balanced, and practical. The name itself originates from mining terminology. Unfortunately, despite its rich history, tacos were disregarded and underestimated during Spain’s colonization of Mexico in the late 1500s. Spain introduced European flavors and wheat flour to the region, which led to tacos, originally made with cornmeal, being adapted to wheat flour over time.
Tacos are prepared by placing various flavorful ingredients into shells known as tortillas. Making tacos from tortillas aligns with the dish’s original form. A type of sandwich or wrap, this special dish is now prepared in kitchens worldwide with flavors adapted to local tastes. From spicy and sour to cheesy or creamy, meaty or vegan, tacos cater to all dietary preferences and are a staple on many tables.
How to Making Tacos from Tortillas
Tortillas, as mentioned earlier, are the most valuable ingredient of tacos. They are made with cornmeal. To achieve the correct consistency, the highest quality cornmeal, warm water, extra virgin olive oil, and salt are needed. All ingredients are mixed and kneaded thoroughly. The dough is then rested for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax. This process results in tortillas with the desired consistency, elasticity, and softness. After resting, the dough is divided into equal portions, each rolled into approximately 7 cm-sized discs. The dough is cooked briefly on both sides in a preheated pan. Care should be taken not to overcook or burn them. Once cooked, the tortillas are set aside and covered with a damp cloth. When served, they are filled with desired ingredients and garnishes. Thanks to the damp cloth, authentic Mexican tortillas retain their soft, fresh, and slightly moist texture. Cornmeal imparts a distinct flavor to these tortillas.
Alternatively, the same process can be followed using wheat flour. This adaptation emerged after Spain’s occupation, leading to some changes in the traditional recipe. Today, most tacos popularized by America use wheat flour tortillas. These tortillas, due to the wheat flour, have a more neutral taste compared to the original version. Nevertheless, they can be flavored with various fillings and garnishes to suit any dish.
How to Making Tacos from Tortillas
Making tacos from tortillas is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Tacos are among the most entertaining and practical dishes to prepare. The best part is the variety of fillings you can use. Tortillas are now available as pre-packaged products in markets, making this dish even more convenient. Whether you buy ready-made tortillas or make them yourself, the real fun lies in preparing a delicious filling and sauce.
Once your tortillas are ready, you can neatly arrange them on a serving plate. You can either fill them yourself or prepare multiple fillings and let your guests decide. This approach also enhances your presentation. For the fillings, you can use anything that comes to mind or suits your taste. Authentic Mexican tacos are most famously filled with fresh fish, shrimp, or chicken, accompanied by cilantro, white onions, and Mexican beans, along with mildly spicy sauces. You can create acidic and slightly spicy tacos with incredible flavors reminiscent of Mexico.
You can also prepare tacos with seasoned ground beef, chicken, tuna, avocado, or sour cream fillings. Once the fillings and tortillas are ready, it’s time to let your creativity shine. Fill the taco shells (tortillas) with delicious fillings, add garnishes, and drizzle salsa on top. Wrap them gently in foil. Making tacos from tortillas is as simple and enjoyable as that.
Is Tortilla Only Used for Tacos?
Making tacos from tortillas is one of the most enjoyable activities for everyone. Naturally, being the main ingredient of tacos might Making Tacos from Tortillas seem exclusive to this dish. However, tortillas are also a key component in various other dishes. Some of the most popular ones include burritos, quesadillas (folded and fried into a half-moon shape), fajitas (served inside tortillas), and wraps (rolled with various fillings). Additionally, globally known dishes like enchiladas, chimichangas, tostadas, and huevos rancheros feature tortillas. Whatever suits your taste or eating style, there’s no denying that tortillas add incredible flavor to dishes. Whether you fry them, roll them, or fold them, the taste is unmatched. Adjusting the filling is entirely up to your preferences. Whether it’s tacos or burritos, with vibrant fillings, flavorful sauces, and delicious garnishes, tortillas are undoubtedly one of the rarest treasures of world cuisine.