To become masa, dried corn must first be nixtamalized—that is, simmered in an alkaline solution to hull and tenderize the kernels for grinding. Nixtamalization is mostly hands off, but soaking takes 8 hours, so plan accordingly. Masa should feel like thick mashed potatoes, moist but not sticky. In case it’s too wet, add a little instant corn masa flour (masa harina), like Maseca brand, to fresh masa.
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Ditch the store bought stuff for the fresh taste of real corn, then whip up superlative tacos, tamales, and empanadas
Featured in: The Complete Guide to Understanding Masa
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 4 cups dried corn (about 1 1/2 lb.)
- 3 tbsp. calcium hydroxide (also called “cal” or pickling lime)
- Salt
Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot, add the corn and enough water to cover it by double (8-10 cups). Stir in the cal and bring the water to a low boil. Let cook, stirring every 5 minutes to check the water content, until the corn is al dente (when broken or bitten, the center of the kernel will still be slightly white) and the silky skins slip off easily when rubbed between fingers, 5-20 minutes. Turn off the heat and add water as needed to cover the corn by 2 inches. Cover and let rest at least 8 hours and up to 16 hours (corn will have swelled in size and may have changed color).
Step 2
Transfer to a strainer and wash the corn under cold running water, rubbing it vigorously between your hands, until most of the skins have come off and the kernels look shiny (don't use a fine-mesh strainer, as you want the skins to fall to the bottom of the strainer or slip away through the holes). Use the corn immediately or store fully covered in fresh, cool water for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
Step 3
Grind the corn on nearly the tightest setting in a molino de mano (hand-operated corn grinder), pouring 1-2 teaspoons water over corn as needed to help it slide through the grinder. Tighten the setting all the way and repeat the grinding. If making tortillas, grind the masa once more in a stone grinder (metate) to get a fine, smooth consistency. Season with salt and add small amounts of water only as needed to reach a moist but not sticky consistency. Chill in a roomy container and use within 2 days. Bring to room temperature before using.
- In a large pot, add the corn and enough water to cover it by double (8-10 cups). Stir in the cal and bring the water to a low boil. Let cook, stirring every 5 minutes to check the water content, until the corn is al dente (when broken or bitten, the center of the kernel will still be slightly white) and the silky skins slip off easily when rubbed between fingers, 5-20 minutes. Turn off the heat and add water as needed to cover the corn by 2 inches. Cover and let rest at least 8 hours and up to 16 hours (corn will have swelled in size and may have changed color).
- Transfer to a strainer and wash the corn under cold running water, rubbing it vigorously between your hands, until most of the skins have come off and the kernels look shiny (don't use a fine-mesh strainer, as you want the skins to fall to the bottom of the strainer or slip away through the holes). Use the corn immediately or store fully covered in fresh, cool water for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
- Grind the corn on nearly the tightest setting in a molino de mano (hand-operated corn grinder), pouring 1-2 teaspoons water over corn as needed to help it slide through the grinder. Tighten the setting all the way and repeat the grinding. If making tortillas, grind the masa once more in a stone grinder (metate) to get a fine, smooth consistency. Season with salt and add small amounts of water only as needed to reach a moist but not sticky consistency. Chill in a roomy container and use within 2 days. Bring to room temperature before using.
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