Tortillas are an integral part of Mexican cuisine. These versatile flatbreads can be used in hundreds of ways and with various ingredients as fillings or side dishes. But if you haven’t tried it before, you may want to know what to eat with corn tortillas?
Tortillas are usually eaten with beans, chicken or beef, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, salsa, and guacamole. They form the base of dishes like tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, flautas, and fajitas. You can also eat them with soups, stews, and grilled meat. They also work well with jam and peanut butter.
When it comes to corn tortillas, your options are nearly endless because of how they’re made and their subtle natural flavors.
Why Is A Corn Tortilla So Versatile?
From time immemorial, corn tortillas have been a staple of Mexican cuisine.
They’re used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Due to their simple flavors, easy availability, and versatility, this ethnic bread is now popular all over the world.
They’re one of those ingredients that you can customize to your liking.
Tortillas are made from corn, a major food crop in Mexico.
The corn is finely ground into a powder called cornflour.
This cornflour, also called Masa Harina, is mixed with water to prepare tortilla dough.
Other leavening agents and salt are also added.
Then, the dough is portioned into balls, pressed into flat patties, and toasted to make delicious corn tortillas.
In the olden days, making corn tortillas was a tedious task because the corn had to be ground by hand.
However, it became easier with the invention of grinding machines, followed by tortilla-making machines.
Corn tortillas have simple flavors.
The structure and thickness of the flatbread also make it a versatile pantry ingredient.
You can use it to hold ingredients, toast it and use it like bread to scoop up liquids, or even fry it and make chips.
Tortillas also taste good with meat and vegetable-based dishes without overshadowing or affecting their flavor.
Corn tortillas soak up the liquid and hence work well as an accompaniment for soups, stews, and gravies.
However, they don’t break up easily. Hence, you can use them to wrap and roll ingredients in.
Let’s now look at the different foods that you can eat with corn tortillas.
12 Food Items That Go Well With Corn Tortillas
1. Black Beans
Black beans are a staple ingredient in Mexican cooking; and pair well with corn tortillas.
This plant-based food is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Corn tortillas pair well with both homemade and canned black beans.
The spicier versions that use garlic and other aromatics like cumin, cayenne, paprika, and pepper taste delicious with corn tortillas.
You can either use the black beans as a dip for tortillas or spread bean mash inside burritos.
Adding salsa to the mix will further enhance the taste and nutritional quality of the combination.
2. Refried Beans
Refried beans are another popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
They’re usually made with pinto beans.
However, other types of beans may also be used for some refried beans recipes.
The other ingredients in these recipes include seasonings and spices like onion, garlic, and pepper.
Refried beans are soft and creamy.
You can spread them on corn tortillas and garnish them with vegetables, meat, or cheese to make a hearty wrap.
To keep things simple, you can also serve refried beans as a dip with corn tortillas.
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3. Chicken
Cooked chicken in any form goes well with corn tortillas.
You can pair the tortilla with chicken stew or soup for a comforting meal.
Shredded chicken works well in corn tortilla wraps. You can also use roasted chicken instead of shredded chicken.
Chicken is the filling for various enchilada recipes.
By adding salsa, shredded vegetables, and cheese to the chicken filling of a tortilla, you can enjoy a wholesome and healthy meal.
4. Ground Turkey
Like chicken, ground turkey is also a delicious filling for tortilla wraps, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
The flavors of the delicate turkey meat will absorb the flavors of condiments like sour cream or sauces and form a satisfying meal.
5. Ground Beef
Ground beef is widely used as a filling for various Mexican dishes based around corn tortillas.
Lean ground beef is preferred because it cooks quickly and is rich in protein.
6. Pork
Pulled or shredded pork is commonly used as a filling for wraps. Roasted pork can also be used in these recipes.
Tender seasoned pork is a popular filling for tacos.
It’s usually paired with cheese or sour cream for a creamy and indulgent meal.
You can even have corn tortillas with sausages or bacon.
7. Sour Cream
If you use corn tortillas regularly, you should have sour cream on hand because it’s one of the best condiments that go with corn tortillas.
You can use it as a spread for the base of the corn tortilla before piling on other ingredients.
8. Salsa
Salsa is a popular Mexican food that is served with most of the main Mexican dishes.
Most salsa recipes have a chunky, uncooked tomato base.
You may also use other seasonings and fruits and vegetables in salsa.
Salsa is commonly served as a dip for tacos.
It can also be used as a filling or sauce for different tortilla-based recipes.
9. Guacamole
Guacamole is an avocado-based dip that pairs well with corn and flour tortillas.
To make guacamole, ripe avocados are mashed together with spices and other ingredients to form a creamy and spreadable dip or salad.
It’s very popular in Mexican cuisine and has multiple health benefits.
You can use it as a dip or spread or simply eat it as a side with corn tortillas.
10. Cheese
Cheese and corn tortillas are an unbeatable pairing.
They form the very base of the traditional quesadilla, a dish made by toasting cheese-filled corn tortillas on a griddle.
Although other ingredients like meat or vegetables may also be used, cheese is the star ingredient in this dish.
11. Eggs
Corn tortillas and eggs are a popular breakfast combination that is both healthy and filling.
The traditional method uses fried eggs on a lightly-toasted base of corn tortillas called huevos rancheros in Mexico.
Refried beans, salsa, peppers, cheese, or other ingredients can also be added to improve the nutritional value.
12. Jam, Peanut Butter, Fruit, And Other Breakfast Spreads
Corn tortilla goes well with sweet condiments, fruits, and spreads like jam, peanut butter, fruit preserves, and honey.
The subtle saltiness of the tortilla blends well with the sweetness of these ingredients.
Although it’s not traditional fare, these pairings can prove useful in a pinch.
Let’s now look at the different ways in which tortillas are typically used in Mexican cuisine.
How Are Corn Tortillas Used?
Some of the most common ways in which corn tortillas are used include the following.
1. Enchiladas
Enchiladas are tightly rolled corn tortillas with meat and cheese fillings.
After rolling the tortilla with the ingredients, it’s baked and topped with a chili sauce.
Vegetarian versions use cheese and vegetables like onions for the filling. They’re typically eaten with a fork.
2. Flautas
Flautas are fried corn tortillas with a filling of meat or vegetables.
They’re a popular appetizer and are served with dips like guacamole or salsa.
3. Tacos
Tacos are small corn tortillas topped with a filling of meat or vegetables. They’re eaten by hand as a snack.
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4. Tostada
Toasted corn tortillas form the base of a tostada.
The toasted tortilla is topped with vegetables, meat, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings and served as an appetizer or snack.
5. Quesadilla
These are corn tortillas filled with cheese and cooked on a griddle or stove.
Apart from cheese, it will usually have meat and vegetables in the filling.
