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Quick Masa Dough Recipe

Lauren Rothman
Published: Last Updated:
Quick Masa Dough Recipe

Masa made from masa harina comes together in a flash and brings an extra note of authenticity to Latin dishes cooked at home. [Photograph: Lauren Rothman]

Homemade masa dough might sound intimidating, but doesn't have to be: prepackaged masa harina, the coarse flour ground from hominy that's already been slaked with lime in the traditional manner, makes its preparation a snap. Enriched with lard and lightened with baking powder, the dough makes a flavor-packed base for a variety of dishes, including Mexican tacos, gorditas, and sopes, as well as Salvadoran pupusas.

Why this recipe works:

  • Prepackaged masa harina flour eliminates almost all the work of traditional from-scratch masa.
  • Real lard brings rich, porky flavor to the dough (you can use oil if you prefer).
  • All-purpose flour and baking powder guarantee masa that's light and tender, not tough and dense.

Note: Masa freezes beautifully. After forming gordita, pupusa, or sope shells, place extras on a baking sheet in a single layer for 1 hour, then transfer to a zipper-lock bag or airtight container and store in freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, arrange shells on a plate at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then proceed with recipe.

Read more: How to Make Gorditas With Masa

  • Yield:Makes 1 large batch dough, enough for 15 gorditas, pupusas or sopes
  • Active time: 5 minutes
  • Total time:20 minutes
  • Rated: 5

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening, melted, or vegetable oil
  • 2 1/4 cups warm water

Directions

  1. 1.

    In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk to incorporate. Drizzle lard evenly over dry ingredients and whisk again util mixture forms pea-sized balls. Scrape dough from whisk. Add water and, using a wooden spoon, mix to thoroughly combine. Scrape dough from spoon and, using your hands, knead dough briefly, just until it comes together in a smooth ball, about 2 minutes. Cover bowl with a towel and let rest for 15 minutes before proceeding with any recipe.

This Recipe Appears In
How to Make Gorditas With Masa

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