Why is my corn flour dough felt like wet sand?

I did corn dough empanadas and the dough felt almost like wet sand and was tearing apart in my hands, impossible to shape up.

What should I do better next time ?

I followed this simple receipe:

• 2 1/2 cup (290 g) corn flour


• 3/4 teaspoon salt


• 3/4 cup warm water (plus a splash or two of water)


• 2 teaspoons olive oil

I tried to add more water and/or more flour and it was the same.

I finally added weat flour to save the day as the clock was ticking but I really wished I could land that dough.