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Tortilla de Maíz Panameña

A traditional Panamanian dish — Tortilla de Maíz Panameña is not the thin tortilla of Mexico but a thick, griddle-cooked corn cake, golden and soft inside with a lightly crisped crust.

⏱ 25 minPrep time
🔥 25 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Tortilla de Maíz Panameña

A traditional Panamanian dish — Tortilla de Maíz Panameña is not the thin tortilla of Mexico but a thick, griddle-cooked corn cake, golden and soft inside with a lightly crisped crust. Made from nixtamalized corn ground into fresh masa, these tortillas are the daily bread of Panama’s interior provinces. Eaten warm with cheese, eggs or a piece of chicharrón, they are simple food at its most satisfying.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Mix the masa harina with the salt, then work in the warm water and lard until a smooth, pliable dough forms; it should be soft but not sticky.
  2. Cover and rest the dough for 10 minutes.
  3. Divide into 6 balls and press each into a thick patty about 3½ inches across and ½ inch thick, tucking a little cheese inside if desired.
  4. Heat a cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
  5. Cook the tortillas for 5 to 6 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown with darker spots and cooked through.
  6. Keep warm wrapped in a cloth and serve with butter, cheese or any hearty stew.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Panamanian tortillas must be thick — do not flatten them like Mexican ones or they will dry out. A damp cloth keeps them pliable until serving.

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Recipe details

Prep25 min
Cook25 min
Servings6
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →