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4.7 from 93 votes

Homemade Masa Dough Using Yellow Field Corn

This masa dough is a great starting point for homemade corn tortillas and tamales. 

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
12 hrs
Servings: 16 (4 cups)
Calories: 76 kcal
Cuisine: Mexican , Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried field corn
  • 1 tablespoon calcium hydroxide
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water (to grind the masa)
  • 1/2 cup masa harina (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse 2 cups of dried field corn in cold water.  Remove any stones or struggling kernels.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of calcium hydroxide to 8 cups of water in a non-reactive pot (I used stainless steel).  Combine well.  Add the corn to this mixture. 
  3. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook for 30 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.  When the skins of the kernels slip off easily then it's had enough cooking time. 
  4. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit overnight at room temperature.
  5. The next day (or at least 6-8 hours later) drain the corn and massage it under running cold water.  Use your hands to remove the skins from the kernels.  Change the standing water a couple times until it starts to run clear.   
  6. Drain the corn and add to a food processor.  You'll need 1 teaspoon of salt and approximately 1/2 cup of water for the whole batch (as photographed above I ground it in two batches in a smaller food processor).   Wipe down the sides of the food processor occasionally.  It will need approximately 4-5 minutes to thoroughly combine, you can add splashes of water if it's not combining well.  
  7. Use immediately or cover with plastic/foil and store it in the fridge. 
  8. If you want to make tortillas with the masa dough, adding some masa harina to it will make it easier to handle.  I added about 1/2 cup to this batch.

Notes

  • It's best to use a non-reactive pot when using calcium hydroxide.
  • You'll also see calcium hydroxide referred to as Cal Mexicana or Pickling Lime. 
  • How to use popcorn kernels to make corn tortillas. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 76kcal (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16(4 cups)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 76

% Daily Value*

Calories 76kcal 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.