Tortilla

A tortilla (/tɔːrˈtiːə/, Spanish: [toɾˈtiʎa]) is a type of thin flatbread, typically made from corn or wheat. In Spanish, tortilla and tortita mean "small torta", or "small cake". It was first made by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica before European contact. The Aztecs and other Nahuatl speakers call tortillas tlaxcalli ([t͡ɬaʃˈkalli]).[1]

This article is about the flatbread. For the potato omelette, see Spanish tortilla. For other uses, see Tortilla (disambiguation).

Tortilla
Alternative namesTorta, tortita
TypeFlatbread
Place of originMesoamerica
Main ingredientsMasa harina, Hominy

Varieties
A Mexican indigenous woman prepares maize while making tortillas. Tulum and Coba, Yucatan, Mexico.

Corn tortilla
Main article: Corn tortilla

Tortillas made with maize (corn) are the oldest variety of tortilla, and remain popular in Mexico and Central America.

Wheat tortilla

Wheat was not grown in the Americas prior to the arrival of Europeans, but is a common source of flour for tortillas today.

Flour tortillas usually contain fat, salt, often leavening agents such as baking powder, and other ingredients, but otherwise the preparation and cooking of flour tortillas on a comal is identical to that of corn tortillas. Flour tortillas are commonly used in burritos, tacos, fajitas, and other Tex-Mex foods.

See also

References
  1. Nahuatl Dictionary. (1997). Wired Humanities Project. University of Oregon. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from link
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