I personally love how versatile this Red and Green Tortilla Chips recipe is—you can whip up a batch with vibrant natural colors, customize the seasoning to suit your taste, and pair them with your favorite dips. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making them from scratch. They aren’t just chips; they’re a crunchy, colorful labor of love that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.
Table of Contents
How to make Red and Green Tortilla Chips
Red and Green Tortilla Chips are corn tortilla chips made in two different colors, usually for flavor variety or festive themes (especially around holidays like Christmas).
Ingredients
For Homemade Tortillas:
- Masa Harina: 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour).
- Warm Water: 1 ½ cups, adjust as needed.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
For Coloring:
Red Color Options:
- Beet Juice: 2 tablespoons (or beet powder).
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (if using red food coloring, a few drops).
Green Color Options:
- Spinach Purée: 2 tablespoons (or spinach powder).
- Matcha Powder: 1 teaspoon (or green food coloring, a few drops).
For Cooking and Seasoning:
- Oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil for frying/baking.
- Salt: Extra for sprinkling.
- Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, lime zest.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Mix Masa Harina and Salt: In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
- Add Warm Water: Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients while mixing. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Divide Dough: Split the dough into two equal parts. One will be for the red tortillas, and the other for the green.
Step 2: Coloring the Dough
- Red Dough: Mix beet juice/beet powder/paprika or red food coloring into one portion of the dough until evenly colored.
- Green Dough: Mix spinach purée/spinach powder/matcha powder or green food coloring into the other portion of the dough until evenly colored.
Step 3: Making Tortillas
- Knead and Shape: Knead each colored dough separately until smooth. Divide each portion into smaller balls (each about the size of a golf ball).
- Flatten with Tortilla Press or Rolling Pin: Place each ball between two sheets of plastic wrap and flatten using a tortilla press or rolling pin until thin (about 1/8-inch thick).
- Cook Tortillas: Pre-heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add each flattened tortilla and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, until lightly browned and puffed.
Step 4: Cutting and Cooking Chips
- Cut Tortillas into Chip Shapes: Stack cooked tortillas and cut them into triangles or desired shapes using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Frying Method: Heat a deep skillet with oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the tortilla triangles in batches until crispy and golden, about 1-2 minutes per batch.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange tortilla triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly brush with oil and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Step 5: Seasoning and Serving
- Season Chips: While hot, sprinkle chips with salt or your choice of seasonings (garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, lime zest).
- Cool and Serve: Allow chips to cool slightly and serve with your favorite dips.
Tips for Perfect Red and Green Tortilla Chips
1. Ensure Vibrant Colors
- Natural Dyes: Use concentrated natural dyes like beet juice and spinach purée for vibrant and impactful colors.
- Food Coloring: If using artificial food coloring, ensure you mix thoroughly for an even hue.
2. Achieve Crispy Texture
- Frying: Monitor oil temperature; too hot will burn the chips, too cool will make them greasy. Maintain medium heat.
- Baking: Flip chips halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness and color on both sides.
3. Seasoning
- Sprinkle Immediately: Season chips right after cooking to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- Try Variety: Experiment with unique seasoning blends like cumin, smoked paprika, or flavored salts for different taste profiles.
4. Presentation
- Festive Platter: Present your Red and Green Tortilla Chips on a festive platter or with edible garnishes (like herbs) for an appealing look.
- Pair Dips: Serve with a variety of dips to complement the chips—salsa, guacamole, queso, and bean dips work great.
5. Make-Ahead and Storage
- Freshness: If making ahead, store cooled chips in an airtight container to maintain crispness. They stay fresh for up to a week.
- Reheat: To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crunch.
What to serve with
Red and Green Tortilla Chips are more than just a colorful snack—they’re also an incredibly versatile base for all kinds of delicious dips and accompaniments.
a. Salsa: Go for a classic tomato salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
b. Guacamole: Nothing beats creamy guacamole! Use ripe avocados, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and a dash of spices. For an extra festive touch, garnish with pomegranate seeds to add a pop of holiday color.
c. Queso Dip: A warm, cheesy queso dip is a perfect companion. You can make it with melted cheese, diced green chilies, and a splash of cream or milk for a smooth, creamy consistency.
d. Bean Dip: Serve your chips with refried beans or a layered bean dip made with refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and diced veggies.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making homemade Red and Green Tortilla Chips is fun and straightforward, but what if some ingredients aren’t readily available or you want to customize your recipe based on dietary needs or preferences?
1. Masa Harina Substitutes
Masa harina is a key ingredient for homemade tortillas, but you can substitute it with the following options:
a. Cornmeal: Cornmeal works as a substitute for masa harina, but it lacks the traditional “nixtamalized” flavor of masa harina. Use finely ground cornmeal and add a bit more water to achieve the right dough consistency.
b. All-Purpose Flour: For a non-corn-based option, use all-purpose flour or blend it with cornmeal. You won’t get that classic corn tortilla flavor, but this works for creating versatile tortilla chips.
c. Store-Bought Tortillas: If you can’t make your own tortilla dough, purchase pre-made corn or flour tortillas. Use spinach tortillas for green chips or tomato tortillas for red chips to skip the coloring step entirely.
2. Coloring Substitutes
The vibrant red and green hues can be achieved naturally or with food coloring—here are substitute ideas for both options.
Red Color Substitutes
- Beet Juice or Powder: Blend or strain fresh beets to extract natural juice, or use beet powder for a concentrated color. Adds a lovely red shade and slightly earthy flavor.
- Paprika: Mix paprika into the dough or brush paprika-infused water onto pre-made tortillas for a warm red hue.
- Tomato Paste: Use a small amount of tomato paste or tomato powder to infuse a rich red color.
Green Color Substitutes
- Spinach Purée or Powder: Blend fresh spinach into water to make a natural green dye or use spinach powder for less moisture.
- Matcha (Green Tea Powder): Adds a vibrant green shade, albeit with a subtle grassy flavor. Perfect for a unique twist.
- Parsley Juice: Extract juice from fresh parsley to achieve a true green hue.
3. Salt Substitutes
If you’re looking to switch or reduce salt, try these alternatives:
- Low-Sodium Options: Opt for low-sodium salt or omit the salt entirely from the dough to create chips that rely on the flavors of seasoning or dip.
- Flavored Alternatives: Use herbal salt substitutes such as garlic powder, celery salt, or lemon pepper to replace plain salt while still adding zest.
4. Oil Substitutes
Oil is often used for frying or brushing the tortillas for baking, but there are substitutes depending on dietary needs or cooking preferences:
a. Butter: Melted butter can be used in place of oil to fry your chips for an indulgent flavor and crisp texture.
b. Avocado Oil: For a heart-healthy alternative, avocado oil works beautifully due to its high smoke point.
c. Cooking Spray: If baking the chips, use non-stick cooking spray as a light substitute for brushing oil onto the tortillas. This reduces grease and calories.
d. Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil (to avoid the coconut flavor) if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional cooking oils like vegetable or canola oil.
5. Seasoning Substitutes
Seasonings bring your chips to life! If you’re experimenting or accommodating preferences, these substitutes work:
- Classic Salted Chips: Substitute regular salt with sea salt or flaked salt for a gourmet flair.
- Spicy Chips: Use chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika if you’re out of pre-made spice blends like taco or fajita seasoning.
- Tangy Flavor: Sprinkle chips with lime zest, sumac, or vinegar powder (available in specialty spice shops) for a bold citrusy tang.
- Herbal Chips: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to create flavored chips with herbaceous notes.
Final Thoughts
By following these steps and tips, you can create beautiful, festive Red and Green Tortilla Chips that are sure to delight everyone at your next gathering!
More Chips Recipes:
[penci_recipe]
