Spanish Tortillas vs. Mexican Tortillas

Quick Answer

Did you know that the word tortilla(tortilla) can refer to different foods? Read this article to find out what the difference is between Spanish tortillas and Mexican tortillas.

Questions This Article Answers

What is a tortilla in Spain?

Are Spanish tortillas the same as Mexican tortillas?

What is in a Spanish tortilla?

What is a Mexican tortilla made out of?

Spanish Tortillas

Spanish Omelet

The Spanish tortillais a big omelet made with papas/ patatas(potatoes) and huevos(eggs). Cebollas(onions) may also be included, though some people like their tortillas without onions. Spanish tortillas may also include chorizo(chorizo), bonito(tuna) and queso(cheese), among other fillings and toppings.

Tortillas are a staple of Spanish cuisine. They can be eaten as a main dish, a side dish, a starter, or served as a tapa(snack). Click here to learn how to make a Spanish tortilla.

The Onion Controversy

Whether or not Spanish tortillas should include onion is a subject of heated debate. Those who prefer their tortillas with onions are called concebollistas(literally, with onion people), and those who prefer them with no onions are called sincebollistas(literally, without onions people). Which team are you on?

Essential Vocabulary: Spanish Tortillas

Here's some words to know if you're making (or eating) a Spanish tortilla.

Spanish	English
aceite de girasol	sunflower oil
aceite de oliva	olive oil
batir	to beat
bol	bowl
cebolla	onion
cortar	to cut
dar la vuelta	to flip
dorar	to brown
freír	to fry
huevo	egg
papa(Latin America)	potato
patata(Spain)	potato
pelar	to peel
relleno	filling
sartén	frying pan

Mexican Tortillas

Mexican tortillas are thin, round flatbreads made from corn or wheat harina(flour). Tortillas are generally eaten with fillings like meat and vegetables in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, as well as dishes. They can also be cut into small pieces and fried to make totopos(tortilla chips). Click here to learn more about tacos.

Essential Vocabulary: Mexican Tortillas

Here are some important words to know to talk about Mexican tortillas.

Spanish	English
amasar	to knead
blando	soft
burrito	burrito
carne	meat
casero	homemade
comal	comal, griddle
cream	crema
crujiente	crispy
fajita	fajita
freír	to fry
hornear	to bake
masa	dough
picante	spicy
prensa para hacer tortillas	tortilla press
relleno	filling
sal	salt
salsa	sauce
taco	taco
tortillero	tortilla holder, tortilla warmer
verdura	vegetable