MASA Techniques, Recipes, and Reflections on a Timeless Staple

At the heart of every perfect tortilla is masa, a dough produced from nixtamalized, stone-ground corn that transforms into not just tortillas but hundreds of Latin food staples, including tostadas, tamales, sopes, and pupusas. But what makes for decadent, wholly flavorful, outrageously good masa?

Written by Masienda founder Jorge Gaviria with input from tortilla artisans in Mexico, third-generation tortillería owners in the United States, tortilla chip behemoths, molino operators on both sides of the border, food scientists, academics, corn breeders, journalists, and home cooks, MASA reveals the history and science behind masa as well as the replicable techniques and tools for making your own excellent masa at home — from dried kernel to fully realized dish.