Red And Green Tortilla Chips Recipe

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There’s something deeply satisfying about turning simple pantry staples into tortilla chips that feel made for your table. This red and green tortilla chips recipe invites you to bring color, warmth, and intention into your kitchen, creating a snack that looks as good as it tastes. 

What Are Red And Green Tortilla Chips?

Red and green tortilla chips are tortilla chips made with natural ingredients that give them their color and flavor.

Ingredients:

For The Base Dough:

• 2 cups corn flour (masa harina)
• 1½ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For Red Tortilla Chips:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons paprika, chili powder, beet powder, or tomato powder
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra depth

For Green Tortilla Chips:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons spinach powder, cilantro powder, green chili powder, or jalapeño powder
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For Baking Or Frying:

• Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
• Extra salt for finishing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for about 2 minutes until smooth. The dough should feel slightly springy and hold together without cracking.

Divide And Color:

1. Split the dough evenly into two portions.
2. Add your red coloring ingredient to one portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
3. Add your green coloring ingredient to the second portion and knead it the same way.
4. If the dough feels dry while kneading, add a teaspoon of warm water at a time until it softens.

1. Roll Out the Dough: Place each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Thinner dough creates crispier chips, which works well when you want a satisfying crunch.
2. Cut the Chips: Remove the top parchment sheet and cut the dough into triangles using a knife or pizza cutter. Keep the shapes rustic or precise, depending on how you want them to look on your serving board.

Cook The Chips:

For Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the cut dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Lightly brush or spray with oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and lightly golden.

For Frying:

1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chips in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side.
3. Remove and drain on paper towels, then season while warm.

1. Cool and Serve: Let the chips cool completely to reach their full crunch. As they cool, the colors deepen and the texture sets, making them perfect for dipping.

Tips For Success:

• Balance the seasoning: Start with smaller amounts of color powders and build gradually, especially with chili-based ingredients.
• Keep dough covered: When working in batches, cover unused dough with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
• Even thickness matters: Rolling evenly helps the chips cook at the same rate.
• Season while warm: Salt adheres better when the chips are fresh from the oven or oil.
• Store properly: Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain crispness.

What To Serve With

Classic Dips That Always Work:

• Fresh Salsa: Tomato salsa brings brightness and acidity that pair beautifully with both red and green chips. A chunky pico de gallo or a smooth roasted tomato salsa highlights the corn flavor while adding freshness to every bite.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole creates a rich, satisfying contrast to the crisp texture of the chips. The green chips feel especially cohesive here, while the red chips add visual interest to the bowl and the plate.
• Queso Dip: Warm cheese dip adds comfort and indulgence to your spread. The chips hold up well to thick queso, making them ideal for slow dipping and sharing around the table.

Fresh And Creamy Pairings:

• Sour Cream or Crema: Plain sour cream, Mexican crema, or a lightly seasoned yogurt dip brings a smooth, cooling element. Adding lime zest or chopped herbs personalizes the flavor and ties everything together.
• Avocado-Based Dips: Beyond guacamole, whipped avocado with olive oil, salt, and citrus works beautifully. The clean flavor allows the seasoning in the chips to come forward.

Bold And Flavor-Forward Options:

• Bean Dips: Refried beans, black bean dip, or white bean spreads offer hearty texture and depth. These pair especially well when the chips are seasoned with chili or herbs.
• Roasted Vegetable Dips: Blended roasted peppers, tomatillos, or squash create dips that feel earthy and rich. Their natural sweetness balances spiced chips and enhances the overall spread.

Party And Platter Ideas:

• Nacho-Style Serving: Layer the chips on a tray with cheese, beans, and roasted vegetables, then bake until warm. Finish with fresh toppings like herbs, diced tomatoes, or avocado.

Health Benefits

Benefits Of Red Tortilla Chips:

• Antioxidant support: Red spices and vegetable powders contain antioxidants that help protect cells from everyday stress.
• Natural warmth and digestion support: Chili-based ingredients may support circulation and digestive comfort when used in moderate amounts.
• Micronutrient contribution: Tomato and beet powders provide trace minerals and phytonutrients that complement the corn base.

Benefits Of Green Tortilla Chips:

• Leafy green nutrients: Spinach-based ingredients contribute iron, vitamin A, and vitamin K in small amounts.
• Herbal compounds: Cilantro and green chili contain plant compounds that support overall wellness.
• Flavor satisfaction: The bright, savory profile encourages slower, more intentional snacking.

• Benefits of Baking Over Frying: Baked tortilla chips contain less oil than fried versions, which supports heart-conscious eating habits. Baking allows the natural flavors of the corn and seasonings to come forward while keeping the texture crisp and satisfying. Using olive oil or another quality fat also contributes beneficial fatty acids.
• Portion-Friendly and Pairing Benefits: Red and green tortilla chips pair well with nutrient-dense dips such as guacamole, bean dips, and fresh salsas. These combinations add healthy fats, fiber, and additional vitamins, turning a snack into something more complete and nourishing.

A Mindful Snacking Experience:

• Making red and green tortilla chips at home encourages awareness of ingredients, preparation, and portion size. The act of cooking and serving them intentionally often leads to a more satisfying experience, both physically and emotionally.

Final Thoughts

Red and green tortilla chips bring more than color to your table; they carry the care and creativity you put into making them. From choosing the ingredients to seasoning them in a way that suits your taste, each step reflects your approach to food and the moments you create around it. 

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