tortillas recipe

Making homemade flour tortillas from scratch is incredibly simple and so rewarding. The soft, pillowy texture and warm, fresh flavor of homemade tortillas make them the perfect accompaniment to tacos, burritos, or even as a snack on their own. This recipe will guide you step by step on how to make your own tortillas with just a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegetable oil)
• 3/4 cup warm water (plus extra if needed)

Optional:

• 1 teaspoon sugar (for a slightly sweeter flavor)
• 2 tablespoons lard (for an even softer texture, can replace butter)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Skillet or cast-iron pan (or a flat griddle)
• Clean kitchen towel or paper towels (for keeping tortillas warm)

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Instructions

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Optionally, you can also add sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter tortilla.
2. Use a whisk or spoon to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2: Add Fat

1. Add the unsalted butter (or lard, if using) into the dry mixture. If using butter, make sure it’s softened at room temperature.
2. Rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips or use a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. The fat is what makes the tortillas soft and tender, so make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Add Water

1. Gradually add warm water to the flour mixture, a little at a time, while stirring with your hand or a spoon. Mix until the dough starts coming together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. You might need to add a bit more water (a teaspoon at a time) if the dough feels too dry.
2. Once the dough begins to form, knead it in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it lightly with flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.
3. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the gluten relax.

Step 4: Divide the Dough into Balls

1. After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal portions (you can also make smaller or larger portions depending on how big you want your tortillas to be). Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
2. Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.

Step 5: Roll Out the Tortillas

1. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Take one dough ball and flatten it into a small disk with your hands.
2. Use the rolling pin to roll it out into a thin, round tortilla, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Try to keep the thickness as even as possible, but it’s okay if your tortilla is not perfectly round. Just aim for a nice, thin circle.
3. If the dough sticks to the surface, sprinkle it lightly with more flour. However, avoid using too much flour, as it can make the tortillas dry.

Step 6: Cook the Tortillas

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot but not smoking. You can test the temperature by flicking a little water onto the surface of the pan. If it sizzles, the pan is ready.
2. Place the rolled-out tortilla onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds or until small bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip the tortilla using tongs or a spatula and cook the other side for another 30 seconds, or until light golden brown spots appear.
3. Remove the tortilla from the skillet and place it on a clean kitchen towel. Cover it to keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.

Step 7: Serve

Once all the tortillas are cooked, they are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm as a side, in tacos, burritos, wraps, or even as a snack with some salsa.

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Notes & Tips

• Resting the Dough: Don’t skip the resting time after kneading. This allows the gluten to relax, which makes the tortillas easier to roll out and results in softer tortillas.
• Skillet Temperature: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before cooking the tortillas. If it’s too cool, the tortillas might turn out chewy. If it’s too hot, they may burn before they cook through.
• Keep Them Warm: After cooking, keep your tortillas wrapped in a kitchen towel to keep them warm. You can also wrap them in foil and place them in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) to keep them warm for longer.
• Storage: Homemade tortillas are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. You can also freeze the tortillas for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds, or warm them up in a skillet.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. You may need to adjust the water slightly to get the right dough consistency.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add different spices to your dough for additional flavor. A pinch of garlic powder, chili powder, or herbs can add a unique touch to your tortillas.

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Conclusion

Homemade tortillas are a game-changer. They are easy to make, require very few ingredients, and taste way better than store-bought versions. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or preparing a festive meal for friends and family, these tortillas will elevate any dish. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious, soft texture of fresh homemade tortillas!