master-cooks | The Practical Reason Tortilla Chips Were Invented

Tortilla chips, a staple in snack aisles today, were originally invented as a practical solution to minimize food waste. The creation of these chips is attributed to Rebecca Webb Carranza, who operated a tortilla factory with her husband in Los Angeles during the 1940s. The factory produced large quantities of tortillas, and inevitably, many of these came out irregular or misshapen, making them unsuitable for sale as whole tortillas. To avoid wasting these imperfect tortillas, Carranza decided to cut them into smaller triangles and fry them, transforming what would have been discarded into a new, crispy snack. This innovative approach not only offered a delicious way to repurpose surplus or flawed tortillas but also laid the groundwork for a new product that would eventually become widely popular. Her tortilla chips gained local popularity and were initially sold for a dime a bag at the factory’s delicatessen. This entrepreneurial move not only showcased Carranza's resourcefulness but also introduced a versatile snack that could be paired with a variety of dips and toppings, cementing tortilla chips as a beloved addition to culinary traditions across the United States and beyond.

The process of making tortilla chips today

Today, tortilla chips rank among the fastest-growing snack food categories, enjoying widespread popularity in both the United States and Mexico. While Doritos may not be considered a traditional tortilla chip, they are indeed corn-based, and this brand leads the market with sales of 1.14 billion units annually. To meet the rising demand, most manufacturers, including Doritos, now produce tortilla chips using machinery instead of relying on imperfect tortillas. The majority of tortilla chips available today are packaged in bags and sold in supermarkets, with some brands standing out as superior. According to Chowhound, the top recommended tortilla chip brands are Juantonio's and La Cocina de Josefina.

For those seeking fresh tortilla chips, reminiscent of Carranza's original creations, they can be found in restaurants and tortillerias, or you can make them at home. Frying your own tortilla chips from stale or broken tortillas is an excellent way to reduce food waste in your kitchen. Plus, homemade tortilla chips are often tastier and fresher than store-bought options! The process is straightforward: slice the tortillas into triangles and then either bake or fry them. Restaurants and manufacturers typically opt for frying, which yields a light, crispy chip, while baking uses less oil but results in a less crunchy texture. Once you have a perfect batch of golden chips, they can serve as a base for chilaquiles or be enjoyed with a delicious salsa like guacachile.

The Practical Reason Tortilla Chips Were Invented

The process of making tortilla chips today

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