Healthy Homemade Vegan Tortilla Recipe

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This easy vegan tortilla recipe is bursting with flavor and simple to make. These homemade vegan tortillas add an authentic touch to your dishes, making every meal feel special. They can be frozen and quickly reheated, making them perfect for meal prep. Enjoy having gluten-free, dairy-free, low-calorie corn tortillas readily available anytime!

Homemade tortillas are incredibly versatile, perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or even as a base for homemade tortilla chips. if this is your first time making traditional tortillas, the process is deeply satisfying, from mixing the masa to pressing and cooking each tortilla. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the delicious, fresh taste of homemade corn tortillas!

When I was morbidly obese, I loved those hard, crunchy taco shells in a box. I have no idea why, but I’m sure it had something to do with the greasy meat, cheese, and sour cream that I stuffed them with.  

Now that  I have lost 125 pounds, I created this vegan tortilla recipe and make my own. I fill them with delicious, nutritious, and animal-friendly things like jackfruit, seitan, or mushrooms. I can control the amount of sodium, fat, and calories, plus I love that I’m not ingesting all of the crud in those store-bought tortillas. 

Making your own homemade corn tortillas offers numerous benefits that make the effort well worth it. First and foremost, the flavor is unbeatable—fresh, warm tortillas have a rich, earthy taste that store-bought versions can’t match. I predict you’ll never go back to the grocery store tortillas.

They’re also free from animal products, preservatives, and additives, giving you the best tortillas. Plus, you can control the ingredients, ensuring they’re gluten-free tortillas, free from dairy products, and using non-GMO corn if you prefer. 

See What Others Are Saying About This Healthy Homemade Vegan Tortilla Recipe

“These were easier to make than I thought they would be, and they taste so good!” – Becky

Why You Will Love These Healthy Corn Tortillas

• Unbeatable Flavor: Homemade corn tortillas taste so much fresher and more flavorful than store-bought ones. You’ll notice the difference right away!

• Healthier Option: With this homemade vegan tortilla recipe, you control the ingredients, so there are no preservatives or additives—just pure, simple goodness.

• Fun and Satisfying: Making tortillas from scratch is surprisingly fun and rewarding. Plus, it brings an authentic touch to your meals!

Recipes Using Corn Tortillas

Ingredients in Corn Tortillas

The printable recipe card includes basic ingredients quantities, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information below.

• Masa harina
• Salt
• Lime juice
• Warm water

That’s it! Just four simple ingredients in this homemade vegan tortilla recipe.

How To Make These Healthy Homemade Vegan Tortillas

This great recipe is quick and easy! Here’s the best way to make them:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the salt and masa harina together. Pour 1 1/2 cups hot water into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough forms a dough ball. The raw dough will feel firm and springy. 

• Preheat a cast iron pan or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

• Form a golf ball-sized balls of dough. Place between plastic wrap or a piece of parchment paper and flatten into a round tortilla using a press. This is the one I use. 

PRO TIP: If you don’t have a tortilla press, see the directions below for how to make a corn tortilla without a press.

• Gently remove the tortilla from the press and cook in hot skillet for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds to 1 minute. I use a dry pan, but you could use a little olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil if you prefer.

• Place cooked tortillas between a clean kitchen towel or a tortilla warmer to keep warm. Repeat the method until all the tortilla dough is gone. Enjoy!

This is similar to my favorite tortilla warmer!

FAQ’s

Are Corn Tortillas Bad For You?

A typical store-bought corn tortilla usually contains ingredients like Corn (Masa Harina): Ground corn treated with lime (calcium hydroxide). Water. Salt. Preservatives: Ingredients like calcium propionate or potassium sorbate are often added to extend shelf life. Stabilizers/Emulsifiers: These, such as guar gum or cellulose gum, are sometimes used to improve texture and pliability. Lime (Calcium Hydroxide): Used in the nixtamalization process to treat the corn. Animal Fat: Lard is commonly used.

These ingredients can vary slightly depending on the brand, but these are the common components found in most store-bought corn tortillas.

This healthy corn tortilla recipe contains corn, which is a whole grain, so they are typically lower in calories than white flour tortillas. It also has no animal fat, which is especially helpful if weight loss is your goal.

What Are Corn Tortillas Made Of?

You will need a special corn flour called Masa Harina for making corn tortillas. Masa harina is corn flour treated with lime, making it more nutritious by releasing the niacin in the corn. You can find it in the ethnic section of most grocery stores.

How Do I Keep Corn Tortillas Fresh?

Click HERE for some great tips on keeping your tortillas fresh and yummy or follow these tips: 

1. Store in an Airtight Container: Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. You can store them at room temperature for a day or two.
2. Refrigerate: Store the tortillas in an air-tight container in the refrigerator if you don’t use them within a day or two. This helps extend their freshness for up to a week.
3. Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the tortillas. Place a piece of parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent them from sticking together, then store them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to six months in the freezer.
4. Reheat Properly: When ready to use, reheat the tortillas in a hot pan for a few seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave them briefly to restore their softness and pliability.

Save some time, make extra vegan corn tortillas, and freeze them for future fiestas.

How Many Carbs in a Corn Tortilla?

A typical corn tortilla contains around 12-15 grams of carbohydrates. The exact amount can vary depending on the size and brand of the tortilla, but generally, a standard 6-inch corn tortilla will have about 12 grams of carbs. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging for the most accurate details.

These corn tortillas have 14 carbs per tortilla.

How Do I Make Corn Tortillas Without a Press?

Tortilla presses aren’t necessary. You can still easily press corn tortillas using a few household items. Here are some methods for best results:

1. Cutting Board and Rolling Pin: Place a ball of masa dough between two sheets of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper on a flat surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a thin, even circle.
2. Heavy Skillet or Pan: Place the dough ball between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use the bottom of a heavy skillet or pan to press down firmly and evenly until the dough is flattened to the desired thickness.
3. Cutting Board and Baking Sheet: Place the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a cutting board. Press down with a baking sheet, applying even pressure to flatten the dough.

In all methods, using plastic wrap or parchment paper helps prevent the dough from sticking and makes it easier to transfer the soft tortillas to the skillet for cooking.

Hearty

Flavorful

and

Corny!

EAT TO LOSE!

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Smother this tortilla with enfrijoladas from Broke Bank Vegan, this Jackfruit Verde, or this Simple Salsa Verde.

​Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.