Technique

Nixtamalization

Process of cooking corn with lime to make masa.

Summary

Nixtamalization: the process of cooking dried corn with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) to soften it and boost its nutritional value; the basis of masa for tortillas.

Steps

Boil dried corn with water and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide).
Steep overnight.
Wash and grind to produce masa (nixtamal).