Tortillas

Tortillas are thin, round flatbreads that are one of the most important foods in Mexican cooking. They can be made from corn or wheat flour. Tortillas are used to make tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and many other dishes. People in Mexico have been making corn tortillas for thousands of years.

Corn and Flour Tortillas

There are two main types of tortillas. Corn tortillas are made from a special corn dough called masa. They have been made in Mexico for over 3,000 years. Flour tortillas are made with wheat flour and are softer and larger. Flour tortillas are more common in northern Mexico. Both types are cooked on a hot flat pan called a comal.

How Tortillas Are Used

Tortillas are used in so many delicious dishes. Tacos are tortillas folded around meat, cheese, and toppings. Burritos are large flour tortillas wrapped around beans, rice, and other fillings. Enchiladas are tortillas rolled around a filling and covered in sauce. Quesadillas are tortillas folded with cheese and toasted until crispy. Tortilla chips are made from cut and fried tortillas.

Fun Facts

• Americans eat billions of tortillas every year, even more than hamburger and hot dog buns combined.
• Tortillas were first made by the ancient peoples of Mexico over 3,000 years ago.
• A fresh corn tortilla has only about 60 calories.

Did You Know?

Tortillas were so important to the Aztecs that they were used as a form of money!