Simple Tortilla chips have a rich heritage in Mexican cooking, stemming from classic tortillas crafted from corn or wheat flour that were utilized by early Mesoamerican societies such as the Aztecs and Mayans. Rebecca Webb Carranza popularized the modern tortilla chip in the US during the 1940s by creating chips from imperfect tortillas. She cooked them in triangle shapes and marketed them as snacks, resulting in the widespread production of this popular snack item.
Ingredients Preparation of Simple Tortilla chips
Corn tortillas are the main ingredient in tortilla chips. The procedure includes:
- Nixtamalization: Nixtamalization involves soaking and cooking corn kernels in an alkaline solution like limewater before removing the hulls. This procedure improves both the nutritional content and taste of the corn.
- Milling: The processed corn is milled to make masa (dough).
- Forming: The masa is pushed into flat discs of a thin thickness to create tortillas.
- Cutting and Cooking: The tortillas are sliced into triangular or different shapes and then fried or baked until they are crispy.
Besides corn, alternative options include chips created from flour tortillas or enhanced with different flavorings and seasonings.
Ingredients:
- Package of corn tortillas (6-8 tortillas)
- Use vegetable oil for frying or cooking spray for baking.
- A sprinkle of salt according to your preference
- Spices, like chili powder, cumin, or paprika, can be added for added taste.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Fried Tortilla Chips:
- Make the tortillas by: Make six to eight wedges from each corn tortilla with a sharp blade or pizza shaper.
Heat the oil: Add about one inch of vegetable oil to a skillet or deep frying pan. Heat the oil until it comes to 350°F (175°C) over medium force. - Cook the chips: Place the tortilla wedges with care into the hot oil in batches. Sear for around 2-3 minutes, or until they are brilliant and firm. Utilize an opened spoon to move the chips to a paper towel-lined plate to deplete overabundance oil.
- Season: Salt and any additional spices, if present, should be sprinkled immediately over the hot chips. Cool: Before serving, allow the chips to completely cool to preserve their crunch.
Baked Tortilla Chips:
- Get the oven ready: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the tortillas by: Divide each corn tortilla into six to eight wedges.
- Organize on a baking sheet: Place the tortilla wedges in a solitary layer on a baking sheet. Daintily brush or splash the two sides with vegetable oil or cooking shower.
- Bake: Heat in the preheated stove for 10-15 minutes, turning once partially through, until the chips are brilliant brown and firm.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and any additional spices as soon as you take it out of the oven.
- Cool: Allow the chips to cool totally prior to serving.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
| 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
RECIPE NOTES
Simple tortilla chips offer a range of flavors like chili, lime, and cheese, as well as organic, non-GMO options. Some are made from alternative grains like quinoa, black beans, and sweet potatoes.
Nutritional Info
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 7g (includes 1g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g (includes 2g dietary fiber, 0g sugars)
- Protein: 2g
Simple Tortilla chips made from whole corn are a good source of fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus but can be high in fats and calories from frying. Baked versions are a healthier alternative with less fat. Homemade Simple Tortilla chips offer customization and freshness with simple ingredients. Enjoy these chips as a snack or in meals for a delicious and nutritious option. If you try this Simple Tortilla chips recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments. Your 5-star ratings motivate me to do my best. Stay connected for more recipes on my website.