Almost-From-Scratch Corn Tortillas

1. Prepare Dough

Begin by mingling 1 1/2 cups of masa harina with a cozy pinch of salt in a large bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of your chosen fat—vegetable oil, lard, or butter—giving it a good stir until everything looks friendly and well acquainted.

2. Add Water

Now, it's time to gently welcome about 1 cup of hot water into the mix. This is where the magic starts. As you pour, stir with a passion, and watch as the masa harina accepts the water to form a soft, workable dough. It's important to add just enough water until the dough feels like a united family, coming together without any dry patches.

3. Knead Dough

Once you've got a cohesive ball, turn it out onto a surface that's just kissed with flour. Spend a minute or two kneading this dough, showing it some love until it's smooth and springs back to the touch, much like a well-loved pillow.

4. Rest Dough

Give your dough a well-deserved rest, covering it gently with plastic wrap. Let it sit and contemplate for anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, letting the moisture and warmth turn it into a relaxed and pliable mass.

5. Shape Tortillas

When your dough has rested enough, it's time to get into shape—literally. Pinch off pieces and roll them into small balls, using just a dusting of flour to keep your hands from sticking.

6. Press Tortillas

Now, take each ball and press or roll them out into the thin, round shape of a tortilla. You can use a tortilla press lined with plastic wrap to keep it from sticking, or if you're feeling rustic, a rolling pin or even your hands will do just fine.

7. Cook Tortillas

As the tortillas take shape, preheat your skillet—cast iron if you've got it—over medium-high heat. You want it hot, ready to embrace the tortillas and leave them with those beautiful brown spots that say, 'I'm cooked to perfection.' Cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on each side. You're looking for the tortilla to puff slightly and gift you with golden spots as tokens of its readiness.

8. Keep Warm

Lastly, swaddle your freshly cooked tortillas in a towel to keep them warm and tender. They are best served immediately, hot and pliable, ready to wrap around your favorite fillings. If you need to save some for later, they'll keep in the fridge, just waiting for their next call to action.