Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Making homemade flour tortillas is a rewarding process that yields soft, warm, and delicious results. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying with a bit of butter, homemade tortillas are a staple in many households. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make about 12 tortillas, ideal for a family meal or gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or lard, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup warm water (approximately 110°F)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together to ensure even distribution. This mixture serves as the base for your tortillas and the baking powder helps to make them slightly airy.
2. Cut in the Fat: Add the cold butter or lard to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the fat into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should have small pea-sized pieces of fat throughout the flour. This step is crucial as it helps create the tender texture of the tortillas.
3. Add the Water: Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hand. The goal is to form a dough that is soft but not sticky. Depending on the humidity and the type of flour used, you may need slightly more or less water. Add the water slowly to avoid making the dough too wet.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2-3 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting period helps relax the gluten, making the tortillas easier to roll out.
5. Divide the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. This ensures that all tortillas are of uniform size and cook evenly.
6. Roll Out the Tortillas: On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each dough ball into a thin circle, about 8 inches in diameter. Try to keep the thickness consistent. If the dough sticks, dust it lightly with flour. For best results, roll out each tortilla just before cooking to prevent them from drying out.
7. Cook the Tortillas: Heat a large, dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a tortilla in the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until brown spots form and the tortilla starts to puff up slightly. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
8. Keep Warm: As you cook each tortilla, stack them on a plate and cover them with a clean cloth or a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and warm.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade tortillas warm. They can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container for a few days. They also freeze well if you need to store them for longer periods.
Tips
- Temperature Control: Ensure your skillet is hot but not smoking. Too high of a heat can burn the tortillas before they cook through.
- Flour Choice: Use all-purpose flour for a classic tortilla texture. For a softer tortilla, you might use a bit of cake flour mixed with all-purpose flour.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding herbs or spices to the dough for flavored tortillas.
Homemade flour tortillas are a delicious way to bring a touch of authenticity and love to your meals. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!
