The tortilla chips are served with different accompaniments, such as guacamole.
A totopo or totoposte is a tortilla made with yellow or white corn that is toasted until it is very crispy . The term can also be used as a synonym for nacho , which is a triangular-shaped piece of fried corn tortilla.
The tortilla chips, in this way, can be toasted or fried. Its size is variable, since the tortilla is fragmented into pieces that can have different dimensions.
Origin
The origin of tortilla chips is remote. Pre-Hispanic peoples already made corn tortillas that they toasted on clay discs known as comales , especially in the current region of Oaxaca . The term comes from the Nahuatl totopochtli , which can be translated as “toasted.”
Nowadays, however, tortilla chips are usually fried. They can be made by hand and even at home , although they are also produced industrially and are sold vacuum packed.
It is believed that the first tortilla chips had a diameter that exceeded 30 centimeters. These days they are usually much smaller, up to about 3 centimeters in diameter.
Consumption mode
Generally, tortilla chips are consumed as a snack (that is, as an appetizer ). It is common to accompany them with guacamole (based on avocado or avocado, chili, tomato and onion), although they can be eaten with other sauces.
Tortilla chips are also eaten with beans . Another possibility is to use them to prepare chilaquiles , a dish that consists of boiling a spicy sauce made with chili peppers where the tortilla chips are cooked.
It is important to keep in mind that the way tortilla chips are prepared varies according to the area. That is why it is possible to find various ingredients and recipes .
Recipe with industrial dough
Preparing tortilla chips with industrial dough is very simple. The necessary ingredients are:
- corn tortillas (preferably regular size);
- vegetable oil;
- salt (optional).
Let's look at the instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F);
- Cut the tortillas into triangles of the size you want for the tortilla chips. Each is usually cut into 6 or 8 triangles;
- place tortilla triangles on baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap;
- Using a kitchen brush, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil over the tortilla triangles . This will help them brown and crisp up;
- optionally, sprinkle a little salt on the tortilla chips for flavor;
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the chips are golden and crispy;
- Remove from the oven and let the tortilla chips cool before serving.
Completely homemade recipe
To make 100% homemade tortilla chips, we must also make the dough. Let's see the necessary ingredients:
- 2 cups of corn flour;
- 1 and a half cups of warm water;
- 1 teaspoon salt;
- vegetable oil for frying.
Tortilla chips can be purchased, made with corn tortillas, or completely homemade.
The steps to make the homemade dough and the tortilla chips are as follows:
- In a large bowl, mix cornmeal and salt;
- Gradually add the warm water to the mixture, while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands, until you get a smooth, workable dough;
- knead for a few minutes until well combined. Then, form the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to hydrate;
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and form into golf ball-sized balls;
- Cover a work surface with a little corn flour and flatten each ball with a rolling pin until you obtain thin tortillas;
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the masa tortillas for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned;
- Remove the dough tortillas from the pan and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, cut them into triangles of the size you want for the tortilla chips.
From this point, the steps to follow are the same as in the previous recipe.