Great tips on
homesteading,
frugal living,
and self reliance.
return to homepage

Mexican Cooking Recipes

Mexican cooking recipes are an indispensable part of the frugal budget. The next time you crave authentic Mexican cooking, instead of running to that expensive Mexican restaurant or worse, a Mexican fast food place, make your own at home instead.



The Benefits of Making it Yourself

homemade enchiladas Not only do you cut down on cost by using your own Mexican cooking recipes, but you can also cut out needless chemicals and fat. The first time you make your own fresh flour tortillas, especially with freshly ground flour from your own bulk grains, you will never want to buy - or eat - commercially prepared flour tortillas again.

The same goes with homemade corn tortillas. In my opinion, there is no better ethnic dish out there than homemade, using Mexican cooking recipes and including your own fresh, handmade tortillas.

How to Make Tortillas

The essential to Mexican cooking recipes are homemade tortillas, although you can also buy ready made tortillas at the grocery store.

The two basic types of tortillas are corn and flour tortillas. I have included recipes for both.



The Corn Tortilla

If you want to make corn tortillas for your Mexican cooking recipes, you will need masa harina. The word masa is Spanish and means dough. Masa harina is a dry and powdered form of cornmeal dough and is available for purchase in most supermarkets. Some Mexican cuisine aficionados swear by Maseca, a commercial brand of masa harina. I've tried both Maseca and the standard form of masa harina, and personally can't tell the difference. Maybe that's because I'm an Okie.

The basic recipe for cornmeal tortillas used in Mexican cooking recipes is:
  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 1/3 cups lukewarm water
  • Pinch of salt (optional)


In a bowl add the water to the masa harina and salt if you are using it, and mix until it forms soft dough. Divide the dough into 18 evenly divided balls of dough and either pat them into a pancake shapes or press them in your tortilla press.



Flour Tortillas For Your Mexican Cooking Recipes

My children love these, and I will sometimes make flour tortillas out of freshly ground flour and serve them hot and dripping with butter and honey. Or else, I'll add a layer of refried beans, cheese and roll them up for one of the tastiest bean burrito Mexican cooking recipes out there.

I got this tortilla recipe from Kinder Krunchies: Healthy Snack Recipes for Children (the book is available through Discovery Toys). This recipe has become a staple in our household, and is also a great way to get your children into the kitchen.

The basic recipe for flour tortillas is:

  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon of shortening
  • 1/3 cup of warm milk


Mix together the flour, salt and baking soda. With a fork or butter knife, cut in the shortening and then slowly add the warm milk. Knead the mixture until you have a soft dough and then divide it into 8 equal-sized segments. Roll the segments into balls and either flatten them with a roller or use a tortilla press. The tortilla press will work much better at making tortillas for your Mexican cooking recipes(See below).

Making the Tortillas

You can make tortillas by hand, rolling them into a ball and patting them into the shape of thin pancakes, but mine have always been thick, and while they worked as tortillas for enchiladas. Tortilla Press

The Essential Tortilla Press

However, using a tortilla press is a faster and much easier way of preparing your Mexican cooking recipes. With a tortilla press, you will make a much faster and thinner tortilla that is easier to work with.

If you do use a tortilla press, be sure and line it with either wax paper or plastic wrap to keep the dough from sticking to the press.

Cooking Your Tortillas

Heat an un-greased skillet on medium. When the skillet is hot, add the tortillas one at a time. Allow it to cook on one side for about 15 seconds and then using a spatula, flip it over to the other side and allow it to cook for 15 more seconds. Store your warm tortillas in a covered container. That way they'll remain warm and flexible and easier to use in your Mexican cooking recipes.

Ready to Make Authentic Mexican Enchiladas?

Then check out one of my favorite Mexican cooking recipes by clicking here.

Don't Forget the Refried Beans

One of the more delicious Mexican cooking recipes that is rich in fiber is refried beans. Learn how to cook pinto beans and find an easy refried bean recipe by clicking here.

More Great Recipes!

If you're looking for a frugal, yet delicious and nourishing meal, look no further than this Lentil Brown Rice Casserole. It's been a family favorite for years!

Your kids love corn dogs, but you hate all the chemicals. Instead, why not enjoy cooking your own healthy Corn Dogs with this great recipe.

There is a better way to make bread that chock full of nutrition. Learn how to make fresh bread from whole grains with your grain mill.

Jam from your garden? You bet! Use roses from your homesteading garden to make this delicious rose petal jam.

If you're looking for a delicious variety to the typical spaghetti dish, you won't go wrong with this easy spaghetti pie recipe!

If you're wondering what to do with that Halloween pumpkin, look no further than this recipe. Here's how to turn a pumpkin into pie.

Start raising chickens and you'll likely have a surplus of eggs. Here's a great way to use them in this delicious, cheesy vegetable quiche recipe that your family will love.

If you are looking for ways to cut costs without cutting the protein, then try texturized vegetable protein or TVP. Learn what it is and why it should be on the shelf of every frugal homesteader.

Looking for a great, frugal crockpot recipe? This beefy bulgur vegetable soup recipe combines wheat berries and beef-flavored TVP.

Honey is a healthy, delicious way to sweeten your desserts. Here are some tips on baking with honey.

Your crockpot isn't just for main meals, but can also be used for desserts as well. Try this honey crockpot cake recipe!

Love authentic Mexican cooking recipes, but prefer to have them at home? Then try these frugal Enchiladas. They're a family favorite.

Lots of those wonderful, gooey desserts call for canned condensed milk. Here's how you can save money by making your own with this sweetened condensed milk recipe.

If you're looking for a mayonnaise substitute, look no further than this low-fat, delicious, almond spread.

Save tons of money by cooking beans from scratch and using them as a meat substitute. Here are some tips on preparing pinto beans.

Looking for sturdy cookware that will last for generations? Look no further than Cast Iron Cookware. Learn more about this better way to cook food.

Cast iron cookware is relatively easy to care for, but taking a few extra steps will insure a natural nonstick surface and cookware that will last for decades. Here are some cast iron cookware care tips.

Start raising hogs and you end up with cuts of meat you've never cooked before. Here are some tips on the perfect Roast Pork Loin.

Buying potatoes in bulk and adding them to your menu on a regular basis is a great way to cut costs while adding nutrition. Here are some reasons you should be fixing potatoes.
Return from Mexican cooking recipes to the Home Page




View Your Purchases:

Build Your Own Chicken Tractor!



You Can Build a Chicken Tractor Provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken tractor and also provides helpful information on how to get free wood and how your chickens can pay for themselves.

Click Here learn more.

Search This Site:

Subscribe to My Free Ezine!

My bi-weekly e-zine covers everything about self-reliance and the healthy, frugal life.
Imagine! Great tips on organic gardening, self reliance, frugal living and frugal recipes on a regular basis and sent straight to your ebox!
Click here to subscribe.


The Camping Dutch Oven
Great for Cooking Outdoors
Perfect for an Emergency

Mesh Tea Infuser=

A Camping Classic. This Dutch Oven is perfect for use over or in the campfire.

The lid is reversible and can be used as a griddle. The stay cool wire handle can also be used to hang the pot over a campfire.

Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven
Available from the Homesteading Shopper
Just $39.99


Search This Site:

Make Your Own Tortillas
For a Delicious Taste and Great Savings!

tortilla press
Eliminate chemicals and preservatives from your diet and save money when you make your own tortillas at home using this cast-aluminum tortilla press from Norpro.

Now you can make flour or corn tortillas for your own authentic-looking and tasting burritos and enchiladas.

Cast Aluminum Tortilla Press Available from the Homesteading Shopper
Just $14.59

Simple Remedies at Home
That Save Money

herbs and pestle
Did you know...

Herbal remedies can be used to treat a wide range of minor ailments including:

  • Bladder infections
  • Canker Sores
  • Coughs
  • Depression
  • Eczema
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Insect bites
  • Influenza
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Sore throat
  • Warts
And many more!

Learn more by clicking here
.

Build Your Own Chicken Tractor!



You Can Build a Chicken Tractor Provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken tractor and also provides helpful information on how to get free wood and how your chickens can pay for themselves.

Click Here learn more.



Country Critters

Goats Chickens Beekeeping Cattle Pigs

All Things Frugal

Frugal Living Frugal Recipes Make It Yourself

Homestead Passions

Find a Community Urban Self Reliance For Moms Off the Grid Homeschooling

Self Reliance

Natural Healing Live Off the Land Being Prepared Organic Gardening Medicinal Herb Garden

Hyacinth our Nigerian dwarf goat
Enjoy This Site?
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?



[?] Subscribe To
This Site

XML RSS

Add to My Yahoo!

Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines

Free SiteSell E-books

The Camping Dutch Oven
Great for Cooking Outdoors
Perfect for an Emergency

Mesh Tea Infuser=

A Camping Classic. This Dutch Oven is perfect for use over or in the campfire.

The lid is reversible and can be used as a griddle. The stay cool wire handle can also be used to hang the pot over a campfire.

Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven
Available from the Homesteading Shopper
Just $39.99


Make Your Own Tortillas
For a Delicious Taste and Great Savings!

tortilla press
Eliminate chemicals and preservatives from your diet and save money when you make your own tortillas at home using this cast-aluminum tortilla press from Norpro.

Now you can make flour or corn tortillas for your own authentic-looking and tasting burritos and enchiladas.

Cast Aluminum Tortilla Press Available from the Homesteading Shopper
Just $14.59
Copyright© 2008-2012.